Help And Support

CDP Securities Transfer - Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the benefits of transferring my securities from my CDP direct account to OCBC Securities sub-account?

    Having your securities in your OCBC Securities sub-account allows your Trading Representative to provide more personalised services to you, which may include:

    1. Assisting clients with corporate action matters.
    2. Providing clients with market update information on the securities in their portfolio.

    In addition, in iOCBC, you will also enjoy the following benefits:

    1. View your portfolio on iOCBC mobile and web.
    2. View various corporate action, average cost of holdings and realised profit and loss will be adjusted according to corporate actions.
    3. Real Time synchronisation of holdings.
    4. Custody-check in iOCBC to ensure that you will not accidentally over-sell your securities.
    5. Securities transfers and the associated cost of securities will be tracked.

  • What securities are not eligible to be transferred?

    The following securities cannot be transferred, they will remain in your CDP Direct Account:

    • Singapore Saving Bonds
    • Securities that are in “Blocked” status (e.g. Moratorium, Charge)
    • Securities that are on loan as part of SGX Share Borrowing and Lending programme
    • Rights Shares
    • Delisted Share

  • How do I transfer my securities to OCBC Securities?

    You can transfer your securities via iOCBC and hard copy form.

    Via iOCBC

    If you want to transfer ALL your securities from your CDP direct account to OCBC Securities sub-account and have an iOCBC account with CDP direct account linked:

    1. Log in to your iOCBC account via mobile application or web browser.
    2. If you are eligible, you will find the menu under “Others” for iOCBC application and under “Tools & Help” if you are using web browser.
    3. Check the details of your request, review and submit. You will get notification and email.
    4. You will be notified when your request is completed. Normally this will take up to 2 business days.
    5. If there is an ongoing trade settlement or issue with the transfer, the processing may be delayed, and the completion may take up to 5 business days or may even fail.

    To view the full details of the transferred-in securities, please refer to the Share Movement advice and SGX notice.

    Via Hardcopy Form

    Please contact your Trading Representative who will guide you through this process.

    Please refer to point 7 below for fees and charges.

  • Can I choose to transfer only part of my securities holdings? Can I transfer my securities to multiple Brokers?

    Yes, you can. However, this will need to be done via hardcopy form.

    You can also transfer your securities holdings to multiple brokers if you wish to do so. Each transfer will be processed separately, following the instructions and requirements of each respective broker.

    To enjoy the full benefits of a custodised portfolio with the assistance of your Trading Representative and the benefits of iOCBC, you may consider having all your securities holdings within OCBC Securities.

  • I have submitted my request. When can I expect it to be effective?

    If you have submitted your request to transfer all eligible securities through iOCBC, it will normally complete within 2 business days. If there is an ongoing trade settlement, there may be a delay (up to 5 business days) or failure in processing your request.

    If you have submitted your transfer request by hard copy forms, it may take 5 to 6 business days to complete.

  • Between the application date for the transfer and completion of the transfer, can my securities be traded?

    If I trade securities during this period, how can I ensure the securities are transferred to the “right” account?

    Via iOCBC

    If you submit your transfer request for all eligible SGX securities via iOCBC, it is not recommended to trade in the Singapore market before your request is completed, as this may result in a delay or failure in processing your request. Please contact your Trading Representative if you would like to trade before your request is completed.

    We will notify you when the process is completed and it’s safe for you to trade.

    Example 1: Client requested to transfer all shares (1000 shares at that point in time) to OCBC Securities via iOCBC. Before the request is processed, client sold 500 shares. This will cause a delay due to ongoing settlement. After the processing is complete, whatever shares remain will be transferred. In this case it is 500 shares.

    Example 2: Client requested to transfer all shares (1000 shares at that point in time) to OCBC Securities via iOCBC. Before the request is processed, client bought 500 shares. This will cause a delay due to ongoing settlement. After the processing is complete, whatever shares remain will be transferred. In this case it is 1,500 shares.

    If transfer via hard copy form

    If you have submitted your transfer request via hardcopy form, you can continue to trade. However, if there are insufficient shares, CDP will reject the transfer of the counter.

    Example 1: Client requested to transfer 1,000 shares to OCBC Securities via hard copy form. Before the form is processed, client sold 500 shares. When CDP processes the request, as there is less than 1,000 shares, the request will be rejected.

    Example 2: Client requested to transfer 1,000 shares to OCBC Securities via hard copy form. Before the form is processed, client bought another 500 shares. When CDP processes the request, CDP will only transfer 1,000 shares. The remaining 500 shares will remain with CDP.

  • What are the fees and charges involved for SGX shares custodised under OCBC Securities Sub-Account?

    Transfer Fees S$10.90 per security
    CDP Quarterly Fees S$15 / quarter if there are securities.
    S$2 / quarter if there are no securities.
    Corporate action processing fees (non-cash dividend) S$10.90 (inclusive of GST)
    Cash dividend 1% on net dividend (min S$3, max S$50)
    GST or equivalent is applicable depending on payment currency.

    For clients who transfer in their securities from CDP direct account to OCBC Securities sub-accounts, the above mentioned fees will be waived from 1 Oct 2024 to 31 Dec 2025.

  • Can I opt to transfer my securities back to my CDP direct account if I change my mind?

    What should I do if I need further clarification on the sub-accounts arrangement?

    Yes, you have the flexibility to transfer your securities from your OCBC Securities sub-account to your CDP direct account if you decide to do so in the future.

    If you want to transfer your securities back to CDP direct account or if you need further clarification on the sub-accounts’ arrangement, please contact your Trading Representative.

  • I received a call from my Trading Representative recommending that I transfer securities to a sub-account with OCBC Securities. This is the first time that I am told that I have a Trading Representative. Is this a scam?

    OCBC Securities is a broker and Depository Agent (“DA”) and is able to custodise Singapore securities on your behalf, just as we do for your foreign shares.

    Each of our clients is assigned Trading Representatives (“TR”) who provide trade execution service and personalised assistance. However, it is always advisable to verify the identity of the caller and contact OCBC Securities directly to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

  • I have elected a transfer. My scrip is coming in. Can I proceed to transfer the other securities now?

    Yes, you can. But you will need to initiate another request later for the scrip.

  • Must I reapply for the Direct Crediting Service following the transfer? What must I do to receive my dividends?

    Your Direct Crediting Service with CDP is for receiving corporate action cash entitlements on the securities held in your CDP direct account. Once you transfer your securities to a sub account with us, how you receive your cash entitlements will be based on the settlement instructions you have set up / given to OCBC Securities.

  • Why must I revoke the trading linkage to my CDP direct account if I want to establish a linkage to my OCBC Securities sub-account? (specific to transfer of all eligible securities via iOCBC)

    To allow you to continue trading using the same trading account, the linkage to your CDP direct account must be revoked and a new linkage to your sub account must be established.

  • Will my direct account be automatically closed after all securities have been transferred to OCBC Securities?

    No, your CDP direct account will remain open.

  • I have a regular share purchase plan, what do I need to do after the transfer?

    You may want to inform your share purchase administrator that you have changed from using CDP Direct Account to OCBC Securities Sub-Account. You can provide the number starting with 2281 from your successful transfer history screen.

  • Are DAs licensed or regulated in Singapore?

    Depository Agents (“DA”) are subject to the CDP Depository Rules. They are a MAS-regulated financial institution, or part of a financial institution group regulated by MAS under relevant laws.

  • What happens to securities held in a sub-account when the DA defaults?

    Generally, securities in the sub-accounts of DAs are protected against the insolvency of DAs.

  • Aside from shares, can an investor hold bonds with OCBC Securities?

    Except for Singapore Saving Bonds, which must be held only in your CDP account, you can custodise your other bonds (Example: T-bills, SGS, SGX listed Corporate bond, etc) with OCBC Securities.

  • How does an investor subscribe to Treasury Bills (T-bills), Singapore Government Securities (SGS) and Singapore Saving Bond (SSB) if he/she holds shares in a sub-account with OCBC Securities? Can a sub-account holder subscribe for T-bills, SGS and SSBs?

    An investor can continue to subscribe to T-bills, SGS and SSBs through their CDP direct account. Investors cannot subscribe for these through their sub-account.

  • Can a sub-account holder subscribe for IPOs through the ATM?

    ATM subscription for IPOs is only available for CDP direct accounts.

  • As a CDP direct account holder, I am currently a lender under SGX’s Securities Borrowing and Lending (“SBL”) programme.

    What will happen to my loaned securities if I choose to transfer my securities in my existing CDP direct account, to a new sub-account with OCBC Securities.

    Securities on loan under SGX’s SBL programme at the time of the transfer from your CDP direct account to your new OCBC Securities sub-account will not be transferred. This is because when such securities are on loan, legal ownership are temporarily transferred to the borrower. If you wish, you can write to CDP at asksgx@sgx.com to opt out of SGX SBL service prior to the transfer.

  • Can a sub-account holder be a lender under SGX’s SBL programme?

    SGX’s SBL programme allows CDP direct account holders to lend shares in their CDP direct accounts to a borrower for a fee. This programme is not applicable to shares in sub-accounts.

    OCBC Securities does not have this lending service currently.

  • Why are shareholdings transferred from a CDP direct account to a sub-account no longer reflected in CDP Investor Portal? How can a sub-account holder view his holdings in his sub-account?

    The SGX Investor Portal reflects shareholdings in CDP direct accounts only; sub-account holdings are not visible to CDP and therefore unavailable through the SGX Investor Portal.

    OCBC Securities sub-account holders can view their holdings via iOCBC custodised portfolio screen or monthly statements.

  • Will the processes for receiving corporate action entitlements change once an investor moves from a CDP direct account to OCBC Securities sub-account?

    Yes, there will be changes in the way you will receive your corporate action entitlement as OCBC Securities will now handle the processing instead of CDP.

    OCBC Securities will distribute the corporate action entitlements to clients after receiving them from CDP according to the payment method set up in OCBC Securities’ records.

  • How will the processes for receiving dividends and other cash distributions change for an investor who moves from a CDP direct account to a sub-account?

    Why have I not received my dividends even though it is after the date that the Issuer indicated in their corporate announcement that the dividends would be paid out?

    For clients with shares in margin sub-account, clients’ dividends will be put in margin by default.

    For clients with shares in cash sub-account, clients’ dividends will be put in trust by default.

    To change the mode of crediting, client will need to fill in a Corporate Action Standing Instruction form.

    Dividends will be processed on the same day as CDP. However, depending on client’s Standing Instructions, they may receive the payments later.

    • For payment method set to TRUST, client will receive dividend on the same date as CDP
    • For payment method set to Margin, client will receive dividend 1 business day later
    • For payment method set to GIRO/EPS/payment swift, client will receive dividend 1 business day later
  • Non-cash corporate action events – Why are my shares not reflected in my sub-account with OCBC Securities even though it is after the date that the Issuer indicated in their corporate announcement that the shares would be credited?

    For cash account clients, shares are adjusted on the same day as CDP. For share financing account clients, shares are adjusted 1 business day later.

  • Elections – Why is the deadline with OCBC Securities shorter than the date that the Issuer indicated in their corporate announcement that the corporate action event would be open for?

    OCBC Securities’ deadline is 3 business days ahead of the date that the issuer indicated in their corporate announcement that the corporate action event would be open for. This is to ensure that OCBC Securities has sufficient time to process for submission to CDP.

  • How do I subscribe for corporate action events after my securities are transferred to OCBC Securities?

    Clients can subscribe for corporate action events directly through OCBC Securities. Please check with your TR on how to subscribe for corporate action events.

  • Can I still attend AGMs if my shares are held in sub-accounts? Can I still vote if my shares are held in sub-accounts?

    Yes, you can request to attend and/or vote in AGMs by submitting a proxy form to OCBC Securities through customer service or your TR. Blank proxy forms are available on SGX Company Announcement page.

  • Will I receive general meetings notifications from the Issuer if my shares are held in sub-accounts?

    OCBC Securities does not send general meetings notifications from Issuer to client. Please check the SGX website for Issuer’s announcements.

  • Will I receive annual reports from the Issuer if my shares are held in sub-accounts?

    OCBC Securities does not send annual reports from issuers to clients. Please check the SGX website for Issuer’s announcements.