top of page

Investing in Hong Kong Blue-Chip Stocks Made Easy with Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs)

  • Writer: simpleisgd
    simpleisgd
  • Mar 9
  • 2 min read

Singapore investors can now invest in popular Hong Kong companies like Ping An Insurance, Meituan, and Xiaomi through Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs). Launched by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) in partnership with Phillip Securities, this new option makes it easier to invest in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EV), e-commerce, and finance.


SGX Offers Easy Access to Hong Kong’s Top Stocks for Singapore Investors Through SDRs
SGX Offers Easy Access to Hong Kong’s Top Stocks for Singapore Investors Through SDRs

What Are SDRs?

SDRs are a type of financial instrument that lets investors buy shares from foreign companies without directly dealing with overseas stock exchanges. They can be traded on the SGX in Singapore dollars, during local trading hours, and under domestic regulations, making them simple and convenient for Singapore investors.


How Do SDRs Work?

Each SDR represents a set number of shares in a foreign company. These shares are held by a custodian in the company’s home country, but the custodian manages them for the benefit of the SDR holder. SDR holders can earn dividends and other economic benefits but don’t have voting rights in the company.


Benefits of SDRs

  • Easier to Trade: SDRs can be traded like regular Singapore stocks using local brokerage accounts, without needing a foreign trading account.

  • Lower Fees: Trading SDRs usually involves lower fees compared to buying stocks directly from foreign exchanges.

  • Local Custody: SDRs are stored with Singapore’s Central Depository, adding extra security for investors.


Risks to Consider

One downside of SDRs is currency risk. For example, if a foreign currency weakens against the Singapore dollar, it could affect the returns on SDR investments.


Conclusion

SDRs make it easier for Singapore investors to access global markets, offering a simple way to invest in foreign companies like those in Hong Kong and Thailand. With lower fees and no need for overseas accounts, SDRs are a convenient option for diversifying your portfolio. However, investors should be aware of currency risks when investing in SDRs.

Simplified contents for easy reading

Contact Us

The Working Capito

© 2025 Simple is Good. All Rights Reserved. Simple is Good, an investment and financial education website, is not licensed or otherwise regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and, in particular, is not licensed or regulated to carry on business in providing any financial advisory service. Accordingly, any information provided on this site is meant purely for informational and investor educational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice. No information is presented with the intention to induce any reader to buy, sell, or hold a particular investment product or class of investment products. Rather, the information is presented for the purpose and intention of educating readers on matters relating to financial literacy and investor education. Accordingly, any statement of opinion on this site is wholly generic and not tailored to take into account the personal needs and unique circumstances of any reader. Simple is Good does not recommend any particular course of action in relation to any investment product or class of investment products. Readers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any investment decision, and not rely on any statement of opinion that may be found on this site.

bottom of page