- From mid-2026, SGX will reduce minimum board lot sizes for higher-priced stocks, making investing in top Singapore companies more affordable.
- Stocks priced S$10-S$100 will have minimum lots reduced from 100 to 10 shares, while those above S$100 will reduce to 1 share.
- This change significantly lowers the entry barrier, allowing investors to buy shares like DBS for hundreds instead of thousands of dollars.
- The new rules will benefit young and first-time investors by enabling easier diversification and earlier participation in the market.
- While investing becomes cheaper, remember to check brokerage fees, as small trades might incur higher percentage commissions.
Thinking of Investing in Singapore Stocks? Good News for Your Wallet!
If you’ve ever wanted to invest in Singapore stocks but stopped because “too expensive”, you’re not alone.
Many of the best companies on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) trade at high prices, and under current rules, you must buy at least 100 shares per transaction. That easily means S$5,000–S$10,000 upfront for a single stock.
But guess what? Things are about to get much easier!
SGX plans to reduce board lot sizes starting mid-2026, making it far easier for students, young adults, and first-time investors to own quality Singapore stocks. Let’s break it down — simply.
What Is a Board Lot? (Plain English)
A board lot is the minimum number of shares you’re allowed to buy in one trade.
Imagine you’re buying eggs. You can’t just buy one egg; you usually buy them in a carton of 6 or 12. In the stock market, a ‘board lot’ is similar. It’s the smallest number of shares you are allowed to buy in a single transaction.
Right now on SGX:
- Most stocks must be bought in lots of 100 shares
- You usually cannot buy just 1 share
So, if a stock costs S$50 per share, you’d need S$5,000 to buy 100 shares (S$50 x 100). If it’s S$80 per share, you’d need S$8,000 (S$80 x 100). This high minimum amount has often stopped many young Singaporeans from starting their investment journey.
Big Changes Coming: What Happens in Mid-2026
To make investing more accessible, SGX plans to reduce board lot sizes for higher-priced stocks.
New Proposed Board Lot Rules
- Stocks priced between S$10 and S$100
➜ Minimum board lot reduces from 100 shares to 10 shares - Stocks priced above S$100
➜ Minimum board lot reduces from 100 shares to 1 share
In short:
👉 You’ll be able to start investing with hundreds of dollars instead of thousands.
Real-Life Example: Investing in DBS Shares (Before vs. After)
Let’s use DBS Bank, one of Singapore’s most popular stocks.
Before the Change
- DBS share price: ~S$59.54
- Minimum purchase: 100 shares
- Total cost: S$5,954
For most young investors, that’s simply too much.
After the Change (Expected 2026)
- New minimum purchase: 10 shares
- Total cost: ~S$595
Suddenly, investing in a solid company like DBS becomes a realistic goal for many more people!
All 13 SGX Stocks Eligible for Reduced Board Lot Size
Under the current SGX proposal, 13 SGX-listed companies qualify for the 100 → 10 share board-lot reduction.
✅ Full List of the 13 SGX Stocks
- Azeus Systems
- DBS Group Holdings
- Great Eastern Holdings
- Haw Par Corporation
- Jardine Cycle & Carriage
- Jardine Matheson Holdings
- Keppel Corporation
- Lonza Group (SGX-listed shares)
- OCBC Bank
- Prudential plc
- Singapore Exchange (SGX Ltd)
- United Overseas Bank (UOB)
- Venture Corporation
These are not small companies — they include:
- All three local banks
- STI blue-chip stocks
- Companies from finance, healthcare, software, industrials, and conglomerates
Why This SGX Change Matters
✅ 1. Lower Cost to Start Investing
You can now own shares of top Singapore companies without a huge lump sum.
✅ 2. Easier Diversification
Instead of putting S$6,000 into one stock, you could:
- Invest S$600 into 10 different companies
- Spread risk more effectively
✅ 3. Great for Young Investors
Students, NSFs, and fresh grads can start earlier — and time is one of the biggest advantages in investing.
One Important Thing to Watch Out For
While buying shares will become cheaper, it’s crucial to remember that brokerage fees still apply
Even though stocks become cheaper to buy:
- Brokers still charge minimum commissions
- Small trades may have higher percentage fees
Before investing, always check:
- Minimum brokerage commission
- Platform and custody fees
Sometimes, buying slightly larger amounts is more cost-efficient.
What You Can Do Now (Before 2026)
1. Research the 13 Stocks
Understand:
- What each company does
- Long-term business outlook
- Dividend history
2. Start a Simple Savings Plan
Saving just S$50 per month now gives you plenty of flexibility when the new rules start.
3. Prepare Your Brokerage Account
If you’re under 18, you’ll likely need:
- A custodian or joint account
- A parent or guardian’s help
Final Thoughts
The SGX board lot reduction might sound technical, but its impact is very real.
It lowers the barrier to entry and makes investing in Singapore stocks:
- More affordable
- More inclusive
- More beginner-friendly
For young Singaporeans, this change could be the moment when investing finally feels accessible.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
