OCBC Securities has observed a significant rise in trading activity among its younger clientele, with a 60% year-on-year increase in trades by investors aged 30 and under as of 30 September 2026. This surge is attributed to the strong performance of Singapore equities and is expected to continue with upcoming changes to board lot sizes on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).
From 5 October 2026, SGX will reduce the board lot size from 100 units to 10 units for stocks priced above S$10, and from 100 units to 1 unit for stocks priced above S$100. This change will initially apply to 11 stocks priced above S$10. In conjunction with this, OCBC Securities will permanently eliminate minimum commissions for all SGX online trades, making it more affordable for young investors to participate in the market.
Wilson He, Managing Director of OCBC Securities, noted, “This year’s market performance has clearly caught young investors’ attention, and it’s encouraging to see that interest translate into participation. Our permanent removal of minimum commission on SGX online trades gives them even more flexibility to trade in smaller amounts.”
The data indicates that young investors at OCBC Securities prefer to trade more frequently with smaller amounts, focusing on affordability and lower transaction costs. Among the top 10 traded shares by young investors this year, seven were priced under S$10, with the remaining three being local banks.
The removal of minimum commissions and smaller board lot sizes will also benefit other investor segments, particularly those holding odd lots accumulated through scrip dividend schemes. Approximately a quarter of OCBC Securities’ clients hold Singapore shares in odd lots, which will now be easier to sell.
