Quick take
Good for
- Invest in the US market at competitive rates
- 24-hour support on weekdays
- No withdrawal limits or fees
Not so great for
- Does not support trading in non-US markets
- Unable to use CPF or SRS funds
- Only available on the mobile app
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Syfe Trade review
Invest in US markets with Syfe Trade. Find out how in this review.
Syfe Trade is a share trading platform by robo-advisor Syfe. Syfe is one of few platforms in Singapore that supports fractional trading in the US markets. Find out if this suits your investment needs here.
No reviews yet.
Write a review
Stocks, ETFs
What you can trade?
$0
Minimum Opening Balance
Phone, Email, Live Chat
Support
Details
| Tradeable Assets | Stocks, ETFs |
|---|---|
| Tradable Markets | SG |
| Brokerage fee | SGX stocks: N/A US stocks: $1.49 per trade (regular pricing) |
| Trading Platform | Syfe Trade |
| Go to site More Info |
What is Syfe Trade?
Syfe Trade is a brokerage platform offered by robo-advisor Syfe. It allows you to invest in US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) at a low cost through fractional trading.
What is fractional trading?
Fractional trading allows you to purchase a portion of a stock. This is known as a fractional share. When you purchase fractional shares, you buy less than a full share. This is beneficial if you want to invest in stocks with a high share price for less. It also means investors can invest exact amounts in a company.
Normally, when an investor wants to invest in a company, they must purchase a whole number of shares. For example, to buy shares with a stock price of $50, the investor must invest in $50 increments at once. But popular options in the US markets, such as Tesla and Amazon, have very high share prices. As a result, investors may not want to purchase whole shares.
Fractional trading makes it accessible for small-time investors to invest in the US markets using fewer funds.
What asset classes can you trade on Syfe Trade?
On Syfe Trade, you can buy and sell US stocks and ETFs. Additionally, you can also buy fractional shares.
The Syfe Trade platform currently lists 10,000 US-listed stocks and ETFs. To know more about ETFs, you can read more in our guide here.
Key features of Syfe Trade
Here are some of Syfe Trade’s most notable features:
- Real-time stock reporting
- Commission-free trades each month
- Hold both US$ and S$ funds on your portfolio
- Customisable stock watchlist based on interest
- 1 of only 2 online brokerages in Singapore to offer fractional trading
- Ability to invest using robo-advisor on the same platform through Syfe Wealth
What research does Syfe provide?
Syfe offers investors market-driven news and analysis through the following:
- Syfe Learn. Syfe delivers investment insights, free webinars and ebooks in its online news portal.
- Wealth experts. Sign up for free consultations with MAS-licensed experts to know more about its portfolios or get guidance on managing your money.
- Syfe “Discover Tab”. Experts suggest popular and top stocks across sectors and markets on the platform.
Pricing, fees and benefits
Syfe does not charge any custody, platform or fees for deposit and withdrawal. Here are other fees that you need to take note of:
| Fee type | Description |
|---|---|
| All-inclusive fee | New users (first 3 months):
After first 3 months:
Commission fees are subject to prevailing GST, where applicable. |
| FX fees | A foreign exchange fee may apply for converting S$ funds to US$. The current exchange rate is reflected in the app. |
| Regulatory fees | These are fees imposed by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) on brokerage firms for engaging in US stock trading. For more information on the fees, click the “Go to site” button on this page to check on the Syfe page. |
Fees are accurate at the time of writing (7 July 2022).
Is Syfe Trade safe?
To protect clients’ online trades and privacy, Syfe is equipped with the following security features:
- 2-factor authentication. Users must set up 2-factor authentication (2FA) during account creation. In addition, any account updates or logins from new devices will require you to enter a one-time password (OTP) sent via SMS.
- Personal data security. Syfe stores personal data securely on Amazon Web Services data centres in Singapore, utilising bank-grade protection compliant with world-class security standards.
How does Syfe Trade keep my money safe?
Syfe is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as a licensee under the Capital Markets Services (CMS). Therefore, it will need to meet all the standards and requirements set by MAS for retail fund management services. In the unlikely event of insolvency, customers’ funds are held in a trust account at DBS Bank. In addition, the investments are held separately in a custodian account through Saxo Capital Markets.
There are also no exit penalties or lock-in periods so that customers can withdraw their money at any point. For US securities, the funds are held by a broker insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which protects against the loss of cash and securities held by a customer up to US$500,000.
How do I apply for a Syfe account?
When you sign up for Syfe Trade, you will be prompted to complete the necessary application steps, including an investment knowledge assessment. This is a mandatory online Singapore Exchange (SGX) course if you have indicated that you are unfamiliar with share trading. You will need to score more than 50% on the test.
You can apply online for a Syfe account if you’re over 18 and a Singaporean, Singapore permanent resident or foreigner. To open a Syfe Trade account, you need to take the following steps:
New Syfe user:
- Use Singpass or manually enter your details and upload supporting documents
- Complete your identity verification
- Complete the SGX course to assess your investment knowledge
- Sign the contract
- Transfer funds using PayNow, Fast or Telegraphic Transfer to your account
Existing Syfe user:
- Log in to your Syfe app and switch to Syfe Trade
- Click on the “Complete Now” button
- Sign the contract
- Transfer funds to your account using PayNow, Fast or Telegraphic Transfer
How do I contact Syfe support?
If you have any enquiries, you may reach Syfe through its site bot or the following:
- 24/7 customer support: +65-3138-1215
- Email: support@syfe.com
About Syfe
Syfe (pronounced “saif”) is a Singapore-based robo-advisor launched in 2019. It holds monies and assets in a custodian account through global broker Saxo Capital Markets. The company is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Apart from trading, Syfe also offers wealth management solutions via its Syfe Wealth platform.
Bottom line
Syfe Trade is ideal for investors who want to invest in the US market without high capital. As the platform supports fractional trading, you can purchase blue-chip US stocks at a partial share price. The competitive platform fees make it attractive for beginner investors to get started.
However, if you are an investor who prefers to trade in other non-US markets or prefer using your CPF or SRS funds, you should consider comparing against other robo-advisors.
Frequently asked questions
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, CFDs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading CFDs and forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.
