Ram Nisha

Reviewer:

Ram Nisha
Eda Kaya

Fact checker:

Eda Kaya
Modified:

CGS International Broker Review (CGS-CIMB Securities) 2025

CGS International Broker Review (CGS-CIMB Securities) 2025
Company:CGS International
Founded:1979
Min Deposit:$100
Max Leverage:10
Headquarter:

Singapore

US Accepted:
Fixed-Income Products Mobile Trading Trading Tools (e.g., iScreener, iFilter, Stock Filter)

Investing and trading in financial markets such as the stock exchange, forex, digital currencies in the form of spot or with leverage face a high inherent risk. According to the statistics of all exchanges and brokers, more than 75% of people lose!

About
CGS International is a Singapore-based brokerage company regulated by 7 financial authorities, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The broker provides access to Forex with leverage options of 5% and spreads as low as 0.3 pips, in addition to CFDs on Stocks and Indices. The company has won multiple awards, including the Best Boutique Prime Broker – Innovation from HFM Asian Services Awards 2023.
Contact
10 Marina Boulevard, #09-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 2, Singapore 018983
Rank and Score
RegulationsCustomer SupportSpread &CommissionsPlatformsDeposit &WithdrawalAccountTypes
1.3Rank 251
Pros and Cons
Account Types
Platforms
Pros
A wide range of trading instruments
Multiple account types
Moderate entry barrier for Forex (SGD 100)
Strong regulatory framework (MAS)
Cons
Complex products for beginner traders
No support for popular platforms like TradingView
Limited services for regions other than ASEAN
Low leverage options (up to 5% on Forex)
score of blog
1 From 5.0
(1)
Rate this post
3945

CGS International provides commission-free Forex trading and access to US Stocks and ETFs with a fee of 20 SGD. The broker utilizes ViewPoint platform to offer up to 1:10 leverage on Equities CFDs.

CGSI was awarded the title of Best Domestic Broker in Singapore and Malaysia in the Finance Asia 2023 awards.

CGS International
CGS International was ranked among the top 5 Asian brokerages by the Asiamoney Brokers Poll

CGS International; Company Information and Regulation

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (CGSI) provides leveraged instruments, investment banking, money management, and currency/commodities trading in more than 15 countries.

The broker operates under the umbrella of its parent company, China Galaxy Securities. Key features of CGS International:

  • Over 15M clients (along with its parent organization)
  • Registered in Singapore with Reg No. 200506890E
  • Group CEO: Carol Fong

The CGSI Group is regulated by multiple financial authorities in various jurisdictions, including:

  • Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
  • Securities and Futures Commission Hong Kong (SFC)
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
  • Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Indonesia
  • Securities Commission Malaysia (SCM)
  • Financial Services Commission (FSC) and Financial Supervisory Service of South Korea
  • Securities and Exchange Commission Thailand (SEC)

These regulatory entities highlight the broker’s extensive global presence and compliance framework.

The table below outlines the specific CGS International branches, their respective regulatory authorities, and key operational details for each jurisdiction.

Entity / Branch

CGS International Securities Singapore Pte. Ltd.

CGS International Securities Group Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

PT CGS International Sekuritas Indonesia

CGS International Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

CGS International Securities Hong Kong Limited

China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd

CGS International Securities India Private Limited

CGS International Securities Hong Kong Limited, Korea Branch

CGS International Securities UK Ltd.

CGS International Securities USA, Inc.

CGS International Securities Mauritius Ltd

Regulation

MAS

SC

OJK / BAPPEBTI

SEC Thailand

SFC

CSRC

SEBI

FSC Korea

FCA

FINRA / SEC

FSC Mauritius

Regulation Tier

Tier-1

Tier-2

Tier-3

Tier-2

Tier-1

Tier-1

Tier-2

Tier-2

Tier-1

Tier-1

Tier-3

Country

Singapore

Malaysia

Indonesia

Thailand

Hong Kong

China

India

South Korea

UK

USA

Mauritius

Investor Protection / Compensation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Segregated Funds

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Negative Balance Protection

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Yes

Yes

N/A

Maximum Leverage

1:10

N/A

1:10

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

1:10

1:10

1:10

Client Eligibility

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

All except prohibited countries (e.g., Iran and Congo)

CGS International Broker Specific Features

CGSI has a presence across 15+ countries, including Singapore, England, the USA, and China. Let’s see what features the Forex Broker brings to the table.

Broker

CGS International

Account Types

iCash, Margin, CFD

Regulating Authorities

MAS, SFC, OJK / BAPPEBTI, SEBI, CSRC, FCA, FSA, FINRA, SC, FSC, SEC

Based Currencies

USD, SGD, AUD, HKD, MYR, EUR, GBP

Minimum Deposit

100 SGD

Deposit Methods

Bank Transfer, PayNow, Cheque

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Transfer

Minimum Order

0.01 lots

Maximum Leverage

1:3.5 on Margin

Fixed 3 to 7 on derivatives

10 on DMA Equities CFDs

5% on Forex

Investment Options

Fixed Income Products, Wealth Management

Trading Platforms & Apps

iTrade, Viewpoint, ProsperUs

Markets

Equities, Leveraged Products, Futures, Bonds

Spread

From 0.3 pips on Forex CFDs

Commission

Variable based on the instrument

Orders Execution

N/A

Margin Call / Stop Out

N/A

Trading Features

Trading Tools (e.g., iScreener, iFilter, Stock Filter), Mobile Trading

Affiliate Program

No

Bonus & Promotions

No

Islamic Account

Yes

PAMM Account

No

Customer Support Ways

Email, Phone Call

Customer Support Hours

8:30 am to 5:30 pm SGT (Mon - Fri)

What Are the Account Offerings?

The broker offers various accounts for different products. It offers exclusive accounts for margin trading, securities, and CFD trading.

  • iCash: Trade Shariah-compliant stocks with competitive commission rates across 5 major exchanges, including SGX, HKEX, NASDAQ, AMEX, and NYSE;
  • Margin: Use leverage options of up to 1:3.5 to trade shares on SGX, BURSA, HKEX and US;
  • CFD: Trade CFDs on Futures, DMA Equities, Cash Index, and FX with a minimum deposit requirement of 2,000 SGD.
CGS International iCash account
CGSI iCash account provides access to Stocks, ETFs, and REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

The broker also provides Forex through its 3 account types with different leverage options, spreads, and initial deposit requirements, including:

Features

Mini

Classic

Accredited Investor

Min Deposit

100 SGD

5,000 SGD

10,000 SGD

Spreads from

0.3 pips

0.7 pips

0.7 pips

Commission

$0

$0

$0

Leverage

5%

5%

2%

Min Order Size

0.01 lots

0.1 lots

0.1 lots

Max Order Size

0.5 lots

Unlimited

Unlimited

CGS International Upsides and Downsides

As with any financial service provider, CGSI comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks.

Pros

Cons

A wide range of trading instruments

Complex products for beginner traders

Multiple account types

No support for popular platforms like TradingView

Moderate entry barrier for Forex (SGD 100)

Limited services for regions other than ASEAN

Strong regulatory framework (MAS)

Low leverage options (up to 5% on Forex)

Overall, the broker positions itself as a reliable choice for clients within its core markets, while remaining less accessible for those seeking higher leverage or broader global coverage.

pros and cons of CGS International broker
Key advantages and disadvantages of trading with CGSI

Account Opening and Verification

Opening a new account with CGS International is the first step in beginning to trade with this broker. CGS International registration:

#1 Start the Online Application

Head to the official CGS International website and select “Apply Online”. Choose your preferred account type, CFD or margin/cash, and proceed to the next step.

Navigating to the CGS International broker website
Begin the CGS International join process by clicking "Apply Online"

#2 Provide Residency and Currency Details

Specify your country of residence. Singapore-based users must enter their national details, while others should select “Foreigner (Not Residing).” Then, choose your account’s base currency before moving forward.

CGS International signup form
Confirm your residency details in the CGS International join process

#3 Fill in Your Personal Information

Complete the application form with your full name, date of birth, email, and mobile number. You may also enter an IB Code (optional). If you don’t have one, contact TradingFinder support for assistance.

CGS International personal form
Entering personal details during CGS International enrolment

#4 Verify Your Account

As a multi-regulated broker, CGS International requires all traders to upload proof of identity (POI) and proof of address (POA) documents to comply with KYC and AML laws.

CGS International Platforms

The broker offers 3 sophisticated online trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of individual investors.

While iTrade and ProsperUs are among their offerings, the Viewpoint platform stands out as a particularly robust solution.

CGSI trading platforms interface
CGSI offers platforms like iTrade, ProsperUs, and Viewpoint for investors

Fees and Commissions Explained

CGS-CIMB Securities offers a transparent but rather complex fee system across its various asset classes, including:

Asset Type

Fees

US Stocks & ETFs

20 SGD

SG Stocks & ETFs

25 SGD

CFD Stocks & ETFs

As low as 0.20%

CFD Forex

Spreads as low as 0.3 pips

CFD Bonds

As low as 20%

Non-Trading Fees at CGS International

Non-trading fees at CGS International cover costs for services outside of order execution, such as account maintenance and custody. Some of the most relevant charges include:

  • Custody Fee: Waived until 30 September 2025; thereafter 0.25–10 bps per annum depending on AUM, min SGD 2, max SGD 12,500 per quarter;
  • Inactivity Fee: Not explicitly listed; typically, subject to account terms;
  • Settlement Instruction Fee (SGX): SGD 0.35 per instruction;
  • GST on commissions and fees: 9% applied where applicable.

CGS International Broker Funding & Withdrawal

CGS International, as a leading integrated financial services provider in Asia, offers a range of funding and withdrawal options to cater to its diverse global client base, including:

  • Bank Transfer
  • PayNow
  • Cheque

Deposit Methods at CGS International

CGS International supports a variety of deposit/funding channels to accommodate different client preferences and jurisdictions.

These methods aim to cover bank wire transfers, local instant payment options (e.g. PayNow in Singapore) and traditional options like cheque or electronic payments.

However, the coverage and terms depend on your country of residence and the base currency of your trading account.

CGSI deposit options
Available deposit methods include bank transfers, PayNow, and cheque payments

Here is a summary of deposit methods as documented via CGS’s support materials:

Deposit Method

Currency

Minimum Amount

Deposit Fee

Funding Time

Bank Transfer / Wire

Account currency (e.g. SGD, USD)

~S$100 (or equivalent)

Usually Free

1–3 business days

PayNow (Singapore)

SGD

No fixed minimum

Free

Same day / Next day

Cheque / EPS

Local currency

N/A

Free

Clearing time applies

Withdrawal Methods at CGS International

Withdrawal options depend heavily on the country (e.g. CGS Malaysia) and client eligibility.

While traditional bank wire is common, some regional branches offer electronic withdrawal to local bank accounts under certain conditions.

CGSI withdrawal channels
Clients can withdraw via bank transfer or electronic withdrawal depending on region

Here is a summary of Withdrawal methods:

Withdrawal Method

Currency

Minimum Amount

Withdrawal Fee

Processing Time / Notes

Bank Transfer / Wire

Account base currency (e.g. SGD, USD, MYR, etc.)

Varies by region

Possible bank charges / internal fees

Typically 1–3 business days

eWithdrawal (electronic)

Local currency only (e.g. MYR in Malaysia)

RM 1

Usually no explicit fee (CGS MY claims zero handling fee)

If request made before 2:30 pm on trading day

Investment and Growth Plans

While the broker doesn’t offer copy trading or social trading services, it provides access to a wide range of fixed-income products and instruments, such as:

CGS International Equities Market
CGS iTrade provides direct access to 8 exchanges, such as Nasdaq and SGX
  • Stocks and Shares
  • Bonds
  • ETFs (Fullgoal Vietnam 30 Sector Cap and Fullgoal CSI 1000)

The broker also offers wealth management and investment consultation on various products, including:

  • Global Equities
  • Investment Funds
  • Structured Products

CGS International Financial Markets

The wide range of trading and investment products is one of the biggest strength points in this CGS International review.

In addition to Futures markets andSecurities across 10+ global exchanges, including Bursa Malaysia, SGX, HKEX, SET, IDX, NYSE, NASDAQ, NYSEMKT LLC, SZSE, and SSE, the broker offers access to a wide range of leveraged products, as shown in the table below:

Category

Type of Instruments

Number of Symbols

Competitor Average

Equities

Stocks, ETFs, REITs

N/A

2,000–3,000

CFDs

Futures, DMA Equities, Cash Index, FX

N/A

1,500–2,500

Forex

Currency pairs

N/A

50–100

Fixed Income

Bonds, Notes

N/A

500–1,000

Commodities

Futures on commodities

N/A

200–500

Structured Products

Derivatives, Warrants, Synthetics

N/A

300–700

ELN enables clients to purchase shares of selected companies at a discount rate lower than market price.

CGSI investment opportunities
Access to equities, bonds, ETFs and structured products via CGS International

CGS International Awards and Accolades

Throughout its history, this broker has achieved recognition through numerous CGS International awards.

These awards are reflecting its commitment to excellence in financial services, customer satisfaction and innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.

CGSI financial awards recognition
Numerous industry awards highlight CGSI’s excellence in the Asia-Pacific region

Below are some of the recent awards CGS International has garnered:

  • Best Broker in Singapore (2022) Recognized for outstanding brokerage services in Singapore;
  • Biggest Social Impact International (2022) Honored for significant contributions to social initiatives;
  • Most Innovative Use of Technology International (2022) Awarded for cutting-edge technological advancements in financial services;
  • Company of Good (2024) Recognized for corporate social responsibility and community involvement.

CGS International Partnership Program

The broker’s official website doesn't specifically mention a partnership program for affiliates or IBs.

However, upon creating a trading account, you’ll be asked to enter an IB code (optional). Therefore, the broker must offer an Introduction Broker service.

For detailed information about the program, please contact the support team.

Customer Support

While CGS-CIMB provides a hotline and email for support, it truly lacks a live chat feature. Here’s a quick look at the broker’s contact details:

Email

clientservices.sg@cgsi.com

Tel

+65 6538 9889

Fax

+65 6225 1228

Address

10 Marina Boulevard, #09-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 2, Singapore 018983

The broker’s operating Hours are from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm SGT on weekdays (excluding weekends and public holidays).

CGSI customer service contact
Support available via phone, email and office visits in Singapore

CGS International Restricted Countries

While CGSI offers its services to a wide range of clients, there are certain restrictions in place regarding the countries and jurisdictions from which they accept clients, including:

  • Sudan
  • Iran
  • North Korea
  • Yemen
  • Congo
CGS International Restricted Countries
A list of prohibited countries (not limited to) on CGS International broker

Potential clients should directly contact the company or check their website for the most up-to-date information on country restrictions.

CGS International User Satisfaction

CGSI doesn’t have a profile on reputable review websites like Trustpilot and REVIEWS.io. However, the CGSI Google Reviews profile has 12 comments, resulting in a total score of 3.7 out of 5.

CGS International Reviews
A look at the CGSI reviews on Google

CGS International Educational Materials

The broker has a vast research department exploring opportunities across various markets, from Equities to CFDS. 

While CGSI doesn’t provide educational materials on its website, it operates more face-to-face. The company has hosted many regional educational events, such as:

  • Financial literacy for the deaf community in Indonesia
  • Young Happy Financial Literacy for 62,000 elderly
  • PastiPaham Investasi educational series for youths
CGSI financial education events
Educational initiatives include youth literacy programs and blog

CGS International Vs Other Forex Brokers

Let's compare some of the most important aspects of trading with CGS International with other Forex brokers.

Parameters

CGS International Broker

Exness Broker

FxPro Broker

HFM Broker

Regulation

MAS, SFC, SEBI, FSA, SC, FSC, SEC

FSA, CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CBCS, FSC, CMA

FCA, FSCA, CySEC, SCB

CySEC, DFSA, FCA, FSCA, FSA

Minimum Spread

From 0.3 Pips

From 0.0 Pips

From 0.0 Pips

From 0.0 Pips

Commission

From $0

From $0.2 to 3.5 USD

From $0

From $0

Minimum Deposit

100 SGD

$10

$100

From $0

Maximum Leverage

1:10

Unlimited

1:500

1:2000

Trading Platforms

iTrade, Viewpoint, ProsperUs

Exness Trade (mobile), Exness Terminal (web), MT4, MT5

MT4, MT5, cTrader, Web Trader, Mobile App

MT4, MT5, Mobile App

Account Types

iCash, Margin, CFD

Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread, Zero

Standard, Pro, Raw+, Elite

Cent, Zero, Pro, Premium

Islamic Account

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Number of Tradable Assets

3100+

200+

2100+

1,000+

Trade Execution

N/A

Market, Instant

Market, Pending

Market, Buy Stop, Stop Loss, Limit, Take Profit

Conclusion and Final Words

CGS International provides access to 30+ markets, including Bonds with a minimum investment requirement of 100,000 SGD and Forex with an initial deposit requirement of 100 SGD.

CGS International broker operates in 15+ countries, including Singapore and the USA, and it has a trust score of 3.7 on Google Reviews.

FAQs

Is CGS International regulated?

MAS, SFC, SEBI, FSA, SC, FSC, and SEC regulatory bodies oversee the broker’s operation.

What trading platforms are available?

iTrade, Viewpoint, and ProsperUs are the available options.

What is the minimum deposit requirements for Forex trading?

You can open a Forex Mini account with an initial deposit of SGD 100.

What types of trading accounts does CGS International offer?

CGS International provides three primary trading accounts: i Cash, Margin, and CFD. The iCash account is Shariah-compliant, supporting trading on SGX, HKEX, and US exchanges. The Margin account allows leveraged trading on global equities with up to 1:3.5 leverage. The CFD account includes Futures, DMA Equities, and Forex, with a higher minimum deposit requirement (2,000 SGD).

What leverage does CGS International offer for Forex and other products?

For Forex, the leverage is approximately 1:20 (5% margin). Margin accounts allow leverage of up to 1:3.5, while DMA Equities CFDs can be traded with up to 1:10 leverage.

Does this broker charge commissions on Forex trades?

All Forex account tiers, including Mini, Classic, and Accredited, are commission-free. Costs are included in the spread, which starts from 0.3 pips.

What are the supported base currencies?

CGS International supports account funding in USD, SGD, EUR, GBP, MYR, AUD, and HKD. This makes it accessible for clients across multiple regions.

Are Islamic (swap-free) accounts available at CGS International?

Yes. The iCash account provides Shariah-compliant trading across SGX, NASDAQ, NYSE, and other major exchanges. It is suitable for Muslim traders seeking swap-free conditions.

What financial instruments can I trade with CGS International?

The broker offers access to Forex, stocks, bonds, futures, ETFs, equity-linked notes (ELNs), and CFDs. Investment options also include structured products and wealth management.

What is the typical spread on CGS International's Forex trades?

Forex spreads begin from 0.3 pips for Mini accounts. Classic and Accredited accounts offer spreads starting from 0.7 pips, with no added commission.

Does CGS International provide a demo account?

There is no public mention of a demo account. Interested users should contact CGSI support for trial access or platform walkthroughs.

What deposit methods are accepted by CGSI?

Clients can deposit via Bank Transfer, PayNow, and Cheque. Withdrawals are currently processed only via Bank Transfer.

What is the minimum order size allowed for Forex trades?

The minimum lot size is 0.01 for Mini accounts and 0.1 for Classic and Accredited accounts. This setup accommodates both small and large-scale traders.

What is the commission on US and SG stock trading?

US stocks and ETFs are charged at 20 SGD per order, while Singapore stocks incur a fee of 25 SGD. CFD fees start as low as 0.20%.

What customer support options are available?

Support is provided via phone and email from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm SGT on weekdays. There is currently no live chat or chatbot on the official site.

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