A CDP account is required for investors who wish to hold Singapore-listed securities directly in their own name under Singapore Exchange (SGX) rules.
Do I need a CDP account to trade?
Yes, you need both a CDP Securities Account and a trading account with a broker to execute trades on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).
Your CDP account acts like your personal vault for securities. When you buy stocks or bonds, they get registered in your name through this account. Brokers handle the buying process, but the shares must settle in your CDP account. Without it, you can't take physical delivery of your shares. This system keeps everything above board and protects investors under SGX regulations.
Do I need a CDP account?
Yes, if you intend to hold Singapore-listed equities or bonds directly in your name, you must open a CDP account.
Think of your CDP account as your personal registry for all SGX-traded investments. Whether it's stocks, bonds, or Singapore Savings Bonds, everything gets tracked here. When brokers execute your trades, the shares land in your CDP account unless you're using a custodian model. Most Singapore retail investors go this route for direct ownership. You can check your holdings anytime through CDP's online portal at CDP’s online portal as of 2026.
Do I need CDP account for Moomoo?
No, Moomoo does not use CDP accounts; it operates on a custodian model.
Here's the thing: Moomoo doesn't register shares in your name. Instead, they hold your stocks in their own pooled account under Moomoo's name. This keeps their fees low and onboarding fast, but you don't get direct legal ownership like with a CDP account. If having shares in your own name matters to you, you'll need to use a broker that supports CDP settlement, such as FSMOne or UOB Kay Hian. Before jumping into Moomoo, ask yourself whether this custodian arrangement fits your investment style.
Is CDP account free?
Yes, opening and maintaining a CDP account is free.
CDP doesn't charge annual fees for keeping your account active. The catch? Your broker will still hit you with brokerage fees, trading commissions, or clearing fees. These vary wildly—some brokers offer free SGX trades while others charge per transaction. You can find the full fee schedule on CDP's website in their individual investor fees document (as of 2026). Always weigh brokerage costs against CDP benefits when picking your trading platform.
How do I check CDP?
You can check your CDP account number by calling SGX Hotline at 6535 7511 and following the self-help prompts.
Select Option 1 for account-related questions, then punch in your NRIC/Malaysian IC/passport number and the mobile number tied to your CDP account. Once verified, your account number gets sent to your phone via SMS. Alternatively, log into your account on the CDP online portal. For security's sake, have all your account details ready before making that call.
Does Moomoo use CDP?
No, Moomoo uses a custodian account model and does not integrate with CDP.
When you buy stocks on Moomoo, they're held in Moomoo's name in a pooled custodian account—not in your personal CDP account. This means you don't get direct legal ownership of your shares, unlike traditional CDP investing. The upside? Lower costs and faster account setup. If owning shares in your own name matters to you, stick with brokers that support CDP settlement. Always understand the account structure before committing to a trading platform as of 2026.
Is Moomoo good for beginners?
Yes, Moomoo is generally well-suited for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and educational tools.
Moomoo's mobile and web platforms are clean and intuitive, packed with features like real-time market data, advanced charting, and paper trading. Their commission-free model makes investing accessible to newbies. The catch? Since they use custodian accounts, you won't hold shares directly in your name. Compare Moomoo with other beginner-friendly options like Tiger Brokers or PhillipCapital to see which platform matches your learning and investment goals as of 2026.
How do I link FSMOne to CDP?
Log in to your FSMOne account, go to ACCOUNT SETTINGS > Activated Products > Sell from CDP > Your Linked Account.
This takes you to the CDP linkage page where you can enter your CDP account number and confirm the connection. Once linked, you can sell shares directly from your CDP account when placing trades. This setup lets you hold securities in your own name while using FSMOne's platform for execution. Make sure your CDP account is active and you've completed any required identity verification before linking. For step-by-step guidance, check FSMOne’s support center as of 2026.
Can a foreigner open a CDP account?
Yes, both Singaporeans and foreigners can open a CDP account.
Foreign investors just need to bring a valid passport, proof of Singapore address (if applicable), and supporting documents like employment passes or work permits. CDP accepts original documents or e-statements dated within the last three months. You can apply online via the CDP website or book an appointment at their office. As of 2026, CDP continues welcoming international investors who meet standard KYC requirements. Always verify the latest eligibility rules on CDP's official site.
How do I set up CDP?
To set up a CDP account, you must have a local bank account, complete an application form, and submit supporting documents.
- Make sure you have a Singapore bank account linked to your NRIC or passport.
- Fill out the CDP account application form—available online or through a brokerage firm.
- Gather your supporting documents: NRIC, passport, employment pass, and proof of address.
- Submit everything by mail, online portal, or through an authorized broker.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Once approved, you'll get your CDP account number via email or post. Then you can fund your account and start trading. For the most current application process, visit CDP’s official website as of 2026.
How do I change my CDP User ID?
To change your CDP User ID, complete the Update Account Particulars form and mail it to CDP with supporting documents.
You'll need to send the signed form along with a copy of your NRIC or passport to CDP's mailing address. The form is available on the CDP website. CDP will process the change within 7–10 business days after receiving your documents. You'll get an email confirmation once it's done. Good news: changing your User ID doesn't affect your existing holdings or account status—it only updates your login credentials.
How do I sell shares in CDP?
To sell shares held in your CDP account, log into your broker’s platform, navigate to “Live Trading,” select the stock, and choose “Sell from CDP”.
- Sign into your brokerage account (think FSMOne or UOB Kay Hian).
- Head to the trading section and search for the stock you want to sell.
- Click “Sell” on the stock to open the order pad.
- Pick “Sell from CDP” to make sure the shares get deducted from your CDP account.
- Enter the quantity and confirm the order.
Once the sale goes through, the money lands in your linked bank account. Always double-check your order details before hitting confirm—mistakes happen. For platform-specific instructions, check your broker's help center as of 2026.
What does CDP stand for?
In the context of Singapore’s financial system, CDP stands for Central Depository (Pte) Limited.
| Acronym | Full Form | Context |
|---|
| CDP | Central Depository (Pte) Limited | Singapore’s central securities depository |
| CDP | Carbon Disclosure Project | Global environmental reporting initiative |
| CDP | Continuous Data Protection | Backup technology for data storage |
The relevant meaning for investors is the Central Depository, which runs the CDP Securities Account for holding and settling SGX-traded securities. Other meanings like the Carbon Disclosure Project are completely unrelated to finance. Always check the context when you see “CDP.”
Is Moomoo trustable?
Yes, Moomoo is considered trustworthy for trading, as it is regulated and offers investor protection up to $500,000 under SIPC.
Moomoo Singapore operates under the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) license, so they follow local financial rules. They also provide Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) coverage up to $500,000—including $250,000 for cash claims. This protection covers securities held in Moomoo’s custodian accounts. On top of that, they use 256-bit SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to keep your data secure. Always verify their latest regulatory status on MAS’s website as of 2026.
Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
