Singapore's online trading community shrinks to 248,000 active investors, marking the third consecutive year of decline.
Despite the contraction, client satisfaction reaches record levels as investors demand enhanced features and education.
Singapore
Singapore's
online trading landscape is undeniably shrinking. The active trader population declined for the third consecutive year despite reaching unprecedented levels
of client satisfaction.
Singapore Online Trading
Base Contracts Despite Record Satisfaction Levels
The latest
Singapore Online Investing Report by Investment Trends
reveals that the number of active online traders has decreased to 248,000, down
from 264,000 in September 2023. This decline brings the trading population back
to levels last observed in 2018, marking a significant shift in the market
dynamics.
Source: Investment Trends
What
portion of this consists of FX/CFD traders? Although current data is lacking, a
previous Investment Trends report from two years ago suggested that 43,000
retail investors in Singapore engaged in contracts for difference,
representing one in five of all active online traders in the country.
Lorenzo Vignati, Associate Research Director at Investment Trends
“The
online investing market in Singapore is undergoing a recalibration,”
explains Lorenzo Vignati, Associate Research Director at Investment Trends.
“While the decline in active investors poses challenges, the path to
growth lies in brokers' ability to effectively re-engage the vast dormant
client base.”
Despite the
shrinking user base, client satisfaction has reached an all-time high. However,
investors are increasingly demanding enhanced features, with 35% citing live
pricing as crucial, while 32% prioritize enhanced security measures.
Additionally, 28% of traders express interest in sophisticated portfolio risk
management tools.
“Client
satisfaction is at record levels, but the message from investors is clear: they
want more,” explains Vignati.
Singapore
has emerged as a significant market for brokers, as
evidenced by IG Group's fiscal year 2024 financial report. The country was
the only jurisdiction to record higher revenue last year, with increased
trading activity by larger clients producing a 6% increase in income. In its
financial results, IG noted that Singapore “delivered stronger trading
revenue reflecting higher volumes from some of our largest traders.”
Traders Want Education
The report
highlights a strong emphasis on education within the trading community. An
impressive 51% of online investors engage with educational content daily, while
21% consider themselves proficient or expert traders. This high engagement
level signals a robust appetite for continuous learning and professional
development among Singapore's
trading community.
“Education
has become a key differentiator in this market,” notes Vignati. “The
appetite for financial knowledge is substantial, especially among newer
investors eager to build their confidence.”
A similar
outcome was shown in a separate report for the French market, where high demand
for education was
also observed, particularly among new and less experienced investors. The
same situation was noted in
the Italian market.
The
findings suggest that brokers who can adapt to evolving investor expectations
while providing comprehensive educational resources will be better positioned
to capitalize on future growth opportunities.
“For
brokers, investing in high-quality educational content presents a powerful way
to deepen engagement and strengthen client relationships over the long term,”
adds Vignati.
The focus
has clearly shifted from quantity to quality, with successful platforms needing
to balance advanced features with user satisfaction and educational support.
Singapore's
online trading landscape is undeniably shrinking. The active trader population declined for the third consecutive year despite reaching unprecedented levels
of client satisfaction.
Singapore Online Trading
Base Contracts Despite Record Satisfaction Levels
The latest
Singapore Online Investing Report by Investment Trends
reveals that the number of active online traders has decreased to 248,000, down
from 264,000 in September 2023. This decline brings the trading population back
to levels last observed in 2018, marking a significant shift in the market
dynamics.
Source: Investment Trends
What
portion of this consists of FX/CFD traders? Although current data is lacking, a
previous Investment Trends report from two years ago suggested that 43,000
retail investors in Singapore engaged in contracts for difference,
representing one in five of all active online traders in the country.
Lorenzo Vignati, Associate Research Director at Investment Trends
“The
online investing market in Singapore is undergoing a recalibration,”
explains Lorenzo Vignati, Associate Research Director at Investment Trends.
“While the decline in active investors poses challenges, the path to
growth lies in brokers' ability to effectively re-engage the vast dormant
client base.”
Despite the
shrinking user base, client satisfaction has reached an all-time high. However,
investors are increasingly demanding enhanced features, with 35% citing live
pricing as crucial, while 32% prioritize enhanced security measures.
Additionally, 28% of traders express interest in sophisticated portfolio risk
management tools.
“Client
satisfaction is at record levels, but the message from investors is clear: they
want more,” explains Vignati.
Singapore
has emerged as a significant market for brokers, as
evidenced by IG Group's fiscal year 2024 financial report. The country was
the only jurisdiction to record higher revenue last year, with increased
trading activity by larger clients producing a 6% increase in income. In its
financial results, IG noted that Singapore “delivered stronger trading
revenue reflecting higher volumes from some of our largest traders.”
Traders Want Education
The report
highlights a strong emphasis on education within the trading community. An
impressive 51% of online investors engage with educational content daily, while
21% consider themselves proficient or expert traders. This high engagement
level signals a robust appetite for continuous learning and professional
development among Singapore's
trading community.
“Education
has become a key differentiator in this market,” notes Vignati. “The
appetite for financial knowledge is substantial, especially among newer
investors eager to build their confidence.”
A similar
outcome was shown in a separate report for the French market, where high demand
for education was
also observed, particularly among new and less experienced investors. The
same situation was noted in
the Italian market.
The
findings suggest that brokers who can adapt to evolving investor expectations
while providing comprehensive educational resources will be better positioned
to capitalize on future growth opportunities.
“For
brokers, investing in high-quality educational content presents a powerful way
to deepen engagement and strengthen client relationships over the long term,”
adds Vignati.
The focus
has clearly shifted from quantity to quality, with successful platforms needing
to balance advanced features with user satisfaction and educational support.
Damian's adventure with financial markets began at the Cracow University of Economics, where he obtained his MA in finance and accounting. Starting from the retail trader perspective, he collaborated with brokerage houses and financial portals in Poland as an independent editor and content manager. His adventure with Finance Magnates began in 2016, where he is working as a business intelligence analyst.
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Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
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In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
In this interview, Versus Trade Co-Founder Vitalii Bulynin explains how the company got its license fast, why its trading pairs are fresh and fun, and what the team will build next.
He also discusses the most active pairs, the IB and MIB plans, and hiring needs for new markets.
Watch the whole talk to learn more about how Versus Trade works and where it is heading.
#financemagnates #VersusTrade #TradingPairs #BTCvsGold #goldtrading #innovation
Marketing in 2026 Audiences, Costs, and Smarter AI
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As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
As brokers eye B2B business and compete with fintechs and crypto exchanges alike, marketers need to act wisely with often limited budgets. AI can offer scalable solutions, but only if used properly.
Join seasoned marketing executives and specialists as they discuss the main challenges they identify in financial services in 2026 and how they address them.
Attendees of this session will walk away with:
- A nuts-and-bolts account of acquisition costs across platforms and geos
- Analysis of today’s multi-layered audience segments and differences in behaviour
- First-hand account of how global brokers balance consistency and local flavour
- Notes from the field about intelligently using AI and automation in marketing
Speakers:
-Yam Yehoshua, Editor-In-Chief at Finance Magnates
-Federico Paderni, Managing Director for Growth Markets in Europe at X
-Jo Benton, Chief Marketing Officer, Consulting | Fractional CMO
-Itai Levitan, Head of Strategy at investingLive
-Roberto Napolitano, CMO at Innovate Finance
-Tony Cross, Director at Monk Communications
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #FintechMarketing #AI #DigitalStrategy #Fintech #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Fail Better Trading Tech to Tackle Industry Risks
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
Much like their traders in the market, brokers must diversify to manage risk and stay resilient. But that can get costly, clunky, and lengthy.
This candid panel brings together builders across the trading infrastructure space to uncover the shifting dynamics behind tools, interfaces, and full-stack ambitions.
Attendees will hear:
-Why platform dependency has become one of the most overlooked risks in the trading business?
-Buy vs. build: What do hybrid models look like, and why are industry graveyards filled with failed ‘killer apps’?
-How AI is already changing execution, risk, and reporting—and what’s next?
-Which features, assets, and tools gain the most traction, and where brokers should look for tech-driven retention?
Speakers:
-Stephen Miles, Chief Revenue Officer at FYNXT
-John Morris, Co-Founder at FXBlue
-Matthew Smith, Group Chair & CEO at EC Markets
-Tom Higgins, Founder & CEO at Gold-i
-Gil Ben Hur, Founder at 5% Group
#fmls #fmls25 #fmevents #Brokers #Trading #Fintech #FintechInnovation #TradingTechnology #Innovation
Connect with us at:
🔗 LinkedIn: / financemagnates-events
👍 Facebook: / financemagnatesevents
📸 Instagram: / fmevents_official
🐦 Twitter: / f_m_events
🎥 TikTok: / fmevents_official
