Status: Researched - 8 June 2026.
What it is
CGS International is the successor branding to CGS-CIMB in Singapore and the region. It is an ASEAN-focused broker with research depth and online access to the main Southeast Asian and Greater China markets.
For this directory, it is relevant as an ASEAN broker with a usable app rather than a pure phone-order broker.
Market access
The current CGS International Singapore stocks page says clients can directly access 10 exchanges:
- Singapore: SGX.
- Malaysia: Bursa.
- Indonesia: IDX.
- Thailand: SET.
- Hong Kong: HKEX.
- Mainland China: Shanghai and Shenzhen.
- United States: AMEX, Nasdaq and NYSE.
The iTrade FAQ adds Trading Representative routes for Australia, Philippines and the UK. That gives a country-market count of 10 if we count the direct countries plus those TR-only additions.
On the gaps:
- Direct online access is strongest for Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Current public Singapore materials do not show Korea, Taiwan or Vietnam as ordinary direct markets.
So CGS is a good ASEAN broker, but not a full “all Asia” solution. Boom/Monex and Phillip remain broader for pan-Asian single-account coverage.
Eligibility
CGS International says applicants for a Cash Trading Account must be 18 or older, not bankrupt, and not have delinquent records with Singapore stockbroking houses. The Singapore stocks page notes that foreigners may be required to open a trust account for settlement. CGS materials also say foreigners/non-PRs must open a CDP sub-account and may need notarised identification documents before submission.
This is more open than a purely local-only broker, but still a Singapore brokerage relationship rather than instant global onboarding.
Best use case
Use CGS International when your focus is Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, China Stock Connect and US markets, and you value regional research and a more usable online platform.
Skip it when you specifically need Vietnam, Korea or Taiwan through one account. Use Boom/Monex, Phillip or another specialist Asian broker instead.
Sources
- Asian Century Stocks, “The best retail broker for Asia”: https://www.asiancenturystocks.com/the-best-asian-retail-broker/
- CGS International Singapore stocks page: https://www.cgsi.com.sg/our-offerings/products/stocks?lang=EN
- CGS International Singapore iTrade FAQ: https://www.cgsi.com.sg/help/faq-itrade
- CGS International Cash Trading Account: https://www.cgsi.com.sg/insights/cash-trading-account?lang=EN