eToro Expands into Singapore Stock Exchange as Asian Growth Accelerates in 2026
- Why is Singapore eToro’s Springboard into Southeast Asia?
- How Copy-Trading Democratizes Global Markets
- 2025’s Retail Investment Trends: AI and Defense Dominate
- Behind the Scenes: Leadership Shifts
- What This Means for Singaporean Investors
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In a strategic MOVE to deepen its Asian footprint, eToro has added Singapore Exchange (SGX) stocks to its platform, complementing its existing offerings from NYSE, LSE, HKEX, Nasdaq Dubai, and Euronext. The fintech giant has also activated its Capital Markets Services License from Singapore’s Monetary Authority, positioning the city-state as its regional hub for Southeast Asian expansion. This article unpacks eToro’s Singapore play, analyzes 2025’s retail investment trends (including AI infrastructure and defense stocks), and examines the platform’s signature copy-trading feature now available to SGX investors.
Why is Singapore eToro’s Springboard into Southeast Asia?
CEO Yoni Assia didn’t mince words when calling Singapore’s capital markets "among the most dynamic globally" during the platform’s regional launch event. The choice reflects three calculated advantages: regulatory clarity (MAS’s CMS license secured in July 2025), infrastructure maturity, and its role as a gateway to ASEAN’s 670 million consumers. "Think of SGX as our testing ground before Vietnam or Thailand," Assia told analysts, noting that Singaporeans already trade German and Italian stocks – just not easily. That’s where eToro’s social investing tools come in.
How Copy-Trading Democratizes Global Markets
New for Singapore users is a portfolio mirroring tool letting them replicate strategies of top-performing investors automatically. Imagine spotting a trader who nailed Nvidia’s 2025 rally – now you can allocate funds to copy their moves in real-time. "You shouldn’t need a PhD in Frankfurt’s market hours to invest in Siemens," joked Assia, highlighting how 63% of non-US users leverage copy-trading. The feature gained traction during 2025’s AI stock frenzy, where retail investors chased quantum computing plays like Nebius Group (+328% shareholders YoY) while struggling with European defense stock complexities.
2025’s Retail Investment Trends: AI and Defense Dominate
Data from TradingView reveals startling YoY shareholder growth on eToro:
| Company | Sector | Shareholder Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Nebius Group | AI Infrastructure | 328% |
| Oracle | Cloud Computing | 228% |
| Leonardo | Defense | 209% |
| Rheinmetall | Defense | 165% |
BTCC market strategist Lale Akoner attributes this to the EU’s €800B rearmament plan: "Defense stocks shifted from speculative trades to long-term holds once budget commitments became concrete." Similarly, AI interest migrated from chipmakers like Nvidia (+21%) to data center operators – a trend CoinMarketCap data shows accelerating through Q4 2025.
Behind the Scenes: Leadership Shifts
The expansion coincides with marketing head James Kassam’s departure after four years. His LinkedIn post hinted at "launching neo-banking products" and "managing a SPAC" as career highlights, though his next move remains undisclosed. Industry watchers speculate this may signal eToro’s renewed focus on Asia-Pacific talent acquisition.
What This Means for Singaporean Investors
SGX listings now sit alongside 3,000+ global assets, but the real game-changer is accessibility. As European defense stocks like Thales (+167%) require navigating export controls and ESG screens, copy-trading simplifies cross-border exposure. Just remember – past performance isn’t indicative, and those Nebius gains came with 40% weekly volatility. This article does not constitute investment advice.
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Which stocks gained most retail investors on eToro in 2025?
Nebius Group led with 328% more shareholders, followed by Oracle (228%) and defense contractors Leonardo (209%) and Rheinmetall (165%).
Why did eToro choose Singapore for expansion?
Singapore’s robust regulatory framework, status as a financial hub, and gateway position to Southeast Asia made it ideal for eToro’s regional base.
How does copy-trading work on eToro?
Users can automatically replicate the trades of experienced investors, with portfolio allocations adjusting in real-time based on the copied trader’s activity.