SGX Stock Exchange is expanding its Singapore Depository Receipts (SDR) suite with the introduction of three US-listed counters – Grab (SGX: UGBD), Sea (SGX: UGGD), and SpaceX (SGX: UXSD).
SGX said in a statement on Tuesday that the new additions provide direct access to innovative themes and commences trading on Wednesday (July 22) at market open.
This launch allows retail investors to participate in the rapid expansion of the digital economy, e-commerce, and payments space, alongside frontier fields like artificial intelligence and space exploration via a simplified and convenient way to access some of the world’s prominent companies in local currency.
This expansion comes as investor activity in SDRs continues to build strong momentum, with average daily turnover has more than tripled YOY, driven by a record high in retail participation; total assets under management (AUM) have crossed S$280 million ($217 million) (up +153 percent year on year), with retail investors holding more than 80 percent of total holdings.
The growth reflects a broader shift in investor behavior towards more targeted, thematic exposure and the demand for convenience when responding to global market events.
According to the statement, the three new US SDRs provide seamless exposure to next-generation global innovators.
Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, driving everyday convenience and network effects across ride-hailing, deliveries, and financial services in over eight countries and 900 cities.
Sea is a consumer tech conglomerate encompassing Southeast Asia’s #1 e-commerce platform (Shopee) alongside Garena and digital financial services (MariBank and Monee).
SpaceX dominates global orbital logistics and aerospace technology through highly reusable rocket launch networks and satellite broadband connectivity.
Simplification and time zone alignment are at the heart of this launch.
The US SDRs enable investors to manage and trade these global companies seamlessly in SGD, eliminating foreign currency conversion friction, while enabling trading during Singapore market hours.
With these additions, SGX Stock Exchange now offers 38 SDRs across four markets (Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the United States).
“The introduction of our inaugural US SDRs marks another important milestone in our efforts to bring global investment opportunities
closer to home,
“It builds on the strong momentum of our SDR ecosystem spanning Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia, where increasing investor participation has led to a threefold increase in average daily turnover to S$13 million and more than 150 percent year-on-year rise in assets under management to S$280 million,” said Bernice Tan, Securities Market & Depository, SGX Group.
“By minimizing traditional pain points such as foreign exchange friction and overseas market complexities, investors can conveniently build a globally diversified portfolio in SGD within a familiar trading environment,” she added.
Luke Lim, Managing Director, Phillip Capital, said providing access to US-listed global brands is a significant step in helping investors diversify their portfolios.
“The new SDRs offer a unique mix of household names that are highly relevant to our regional economy, alongside pioneers in high-growth sectors,
“This balance of daily familiarity and global relevance makes international investing much more approachable and convenient for Singapore investors,” he added.