- International and retail investors will continue to have access to SGX securities and derivatives markets
- CDP services will continue to be available; CDP Customer Service Centre will operate on an appointment-only basis
Singapore Exchange (SGX) would like to confirm that its securities and derivatives markets will remain open and accessible. This follows the affirmation by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that financial services is one of the essential services exempted from the suspension of activities at workplace premises under the elevated safe distancing measures announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) today.
SGX, supported by market participants such as brokerage firms, liquidity providers, market makers and data vendors, will ensure continued availability of our markets.
SGX has been proactively managing the COVID-19 situation, following closely the advisories and guidance from the local government and regulatory agencies. It takes a holistic approach in ensuring that its trading, risk management and clearing capabilities are robust at all times.
Loh Boon Chye, Chief Executive Officer of SGX, said, “SGX is a key financial market infrastructure for international and retail investors. Our priority is to ensure that our markets are always available and accessible, so that our clients can manage their investment portfolios during these volatile times. The safety of our employees and customers are of utmost importance. We have been working from split sites and from home for almost two months, without any interruptions to our operations. Close to 80% of our employees in Singapore will be working from home as per MOH’s guidance.”
CDP services will continue to be available and the majority of the services can be accessed without visiting the CDP Customer Service Centre. From 6 April 2020 onwards, CDP Customer Service Centre will assist with a limited number of services on an appointment-only basis. These services include share transfer, updating of signature, estate account processing and deposit/withdrawal of share certificates. Appointment slots can be made via our CDP website here. The remaining services will be provided via CDP internet, hotline (+65 6535 7511), email (asksgx@sgx.com) and mail. This is in line with the Singapore government’s measures to scale down physical counter services with reduced staff manning for safe distancing.
SGX has also enhanced its measures to safeguard the well-being of its employees. All international business travel including domestic/inter-state travel for overseas employees has been put on hold until the end of June. Employees have been advised to defer all personal overseas travel. Those working in the offices also follow strict safe distancing measures.
