The SC recognises the importance of promoting competition and enhancing the quality of services in the capital market. In this regard, this framework will also provide DRs greater flexibility to develop their careers and meet the evolving needs of investors.

In addition to facilitating share transactions for their clients, DRs who meet certain requirements can apply for additional licenses to engage in a variety of activities, such as investment advice, financial planning, restricted dealing in unit trust and dealing in private retirement schemes. The new framework also removes the requirement for DRs to be employed on a full-time basis.

These flexibilities are only available to DRs who have been licensed for more than five years and meet the competency requirements for the relevant regulated activity. To ensure effective supervision and oversight of DRs performing these additional regulated activities, they are required to be undertaken within the same broking firm or within its group of companies.

The expansion of DRs permitted activities is facilitated through amendments to Chapter 4 of the Licensing Handbook. The Licensing Handbook and accompanying FAQ are available on the SC website here.