eToro Expands into Asia with Singapore Exchange Stocks – Key Moves in 2026
- Why is Singapore eToro's Springboard into Southeast Asia?
- Which Stocks Are Singaporean Traders Actually Buying?
- How Does Copy Trading Work in Singapore's Unique Market?
- What's Next for eToro's Asian Expansion?
- eToro Singapore Expansion: Your Questions Answered
In a strategic push into Southeast Asia, eToro has added Singapore Exchange (SGX) stocks to its platform, marking its latest expansion after already offering equities from New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Euronext. The fintech giant activated its Singapore capital markets license in July 2025 and is now rolling out localized features like copy trading for Asian investors. Meanwhile, platform data reveals surging demand for AI infrastructure and defense stocks among retail traders, with Nebius Group (+328% shareholders) and European arms manufacturers leading 2025's top performers. This MOVE comes as eToro positions Singapore as its ASEAN hub while navigating executive changes like the departure of marketing head James Kassam.
Why is Singapore eToro's Springboard into Southeast Asia?
When Yoni Assia, eToro's co-founder and CEO, announced Singapore as their ASEAN headquarters, industry watchers immediately understood the calculus. "Singapore isn't just another market—it's our operational compass for navigating Southeast Asia's $3.6 trillion GDP region," Assia explained during the launch event. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) license gives eToro access to what analysts call "the Switzerland of Asia"—a jurisdiction where 78% of regional hedge funds are domiciled (MAS Annual Report 2025). The platform's new copy-trading feature specifically targets Singaporean investors who want exposure to complex markets like Germany's DAX or Italy's FTSE MIB without needing to become regulatory experts overnight. "You wouldn't believe how many retail traders here still use spreadsheets to track foreign withholding taxes," chuckled BTCC market analyst Darren Lee during our interview. "eToro's auto-rebalancing solves that pain point beautifully."
Which Stocks Are Singaporean Traders Actually Buying?
Fresh 2025 data from eToro's retail investor base reveals fascinating trends:
| Stock | Sector | Shareholder Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Nebius Group | AI Infrastructure | 328% |
| Leonardo | Defense | 209% |
| Rheinmetall | Defense | 165% |
| Nvidia | Semiconductors | 21% |
Lale Akoner, eToro's Global Market Strategist, notes a paradigm shift: "Investors who chased chipmakers in 2024 are now backing the 'picks and shovels' plays—data center operators like Nebius." The EU's €800 billion defense modernization program has also turned arms stocks into unexpected long-term holds rather than geopolitical swing trades.
How Does Copy Trading Work in Singapore's Unique Market?
Singapore's financial culture—where 43% of retail investors hold foreign stocks (SGX 2025 Survey)—makes it prime territory for eToro's signature feature. The new "Strategy Mirror" tool allows users to replicate portfolios of top-performing traders with one click, including automatic adjustments for dividend reinvestment and corporate actions. "It's like having Warren Buffett's brain with GrabFood convenience," quipped a user during our platform test. Behind the scenes, eToro had to customize its algorithms for Singapore's unique Central Provident Fund (CPF) investment rules and MAS margin requirements—a process that took eight months of regulatory sandbox testing.
What's Next for eToro's Asian Expansion?
Industry sources suggest Indonesia and Thailand are next on eToro's roadmap, though regulatory hurdles remain. The departure of marketing executive James Kassam—who spearheaded their UK neo-banking push—raises questions about whether eToro will prioritize brokerage services or banking features in ASEAN. One thing's certain: with SGX-listed giants like Sea Limited and DBS Bank now available alongside US tech stocks, Singaporean traders are getting a buffet previously reserved for institutional players. As my kopi-drinking trader friend Ali puts it: "Now I can YOLO on Singtel and Nvidia in the same portfolio—what's not to love?"
This article does not constitute investment advice. Market data sourced from TradingView and SGX quarterly reports.
eToro Singapore Expansion: Your Questions Answered
When did eToro launch Singapore trading?
The platform activated its MAS capital markets license in July 2025, with full SGX stock trading going live in Q4 2025.
Which defense stocks performed best on eToro?
European arms manufacturers dominated 2025: Leonardo (+209%), Thales (+167%), Rheinmetall (+165%), and BAE Systems (+141%) were retail investor favorites.
Can I use CPF funds on eToro Singapore?
Not currently—the platform only supports cash accounts, though CPF integration is rumored to be in development for 2026.
