Rakuten Trade launches US share trading service available through its next gen Cash Upfront Trading Account and at the same low brokerage.

Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd (Rakuten Trade) announced on January 13, 2022, the expansion of its Cash Upfront Trading Account to include access into foreign markets beginning with the US. This decision was based on a high volume of requests that have been received since Rakuten Trade launched its business in 2017. As one of the early disruptors in the market, Rakuten Trade continues to move nimbly through its fourth year of operations by continuing to innovate and elevate the equity broking industry in Malaysia.

Rakuten Trade’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Kazumasa Mise said at the virtual media briefing held today,

“Our US share trading service amplifies Rakuten Trade’s value propositions and unlocks more value through digital efficiencies. With this enhancement, our clients will now have access to trade stocks like Apple and Tesla, as well as Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, in addition to over 1,000 stocks on Bursa Malaysia. Both domestic and foreign equities will be offered on a single dashboard, at the same low brokerage for a seamless fully digital trading experience.”

Designed for the digitally savvy individuals who are keen to execute self-directed trades, Rakuten Trade’s Cash Upfront account offers retail investors the following for trading on both Bursa Malaysia and US markets:

  • Low brokerage (i.e.: RM7 to RM100)
  • Competitive exchange rates that are better than most banks.
  • An all-in-one Cash Upfront dashboard for clients to execute their own stock trades.
  • One trading limit for all markets
  • Access to research reports from three sources: inhouse Research team, Rakuten Securities, Inc. (Research), and The Motley Fool.
  • Quick account activation of less than one hour for trading in Malaysia and within three days to enable US trading.
  • Eligibility to earn RT points.
  • No charges for corporate action handling.

Malaysians and foreign nationals with a Malaysian bank account are eligible to apply for a Cash Upfront Account for trading in both local and foreign markets. Upon successful activation of a Cash Upfront Account, the client needs to opt in to enable the Foreign Market service. Mr Mise added,

“We are a business that evolves in tandem with what the clients want and need. With the rollout of the foreign market trading service, we are ensuring a more consistent growth in new retail investors year-on-year.”

Rakuten Trade has remained profitable since April 2020 thanks to its clients, many of whom are beginner investors. As at 31 December 2021, it had activated more than 236,000 trading accounts and handled more than RM95 billion in total trading value on Bursa Malaysia since business day one. As of 31 December 2021, Rakuten Trade’s retail market share was more than 7% while clients’ assets under trust was more than RM3.7 billion.

He added,

“We aim to continue democratizing equity trading by improving the digital trading experience with a client first mindset. In 2020 alone, our award-winning rewards ecosystem welcomed Boost as a new lifestyle rewards’ partner and expanded the RT Points redemption matrix to include brokerage fees. With our strengthened digital capabilities that elevates the customer experience, coupled with our fully licensed research division, Rakuten Trade will continue to raise standards and evolve in the years ahead.”

For more information on Rakuten Trade, please visit www.rakutentrade.my or download iSPEED.my app via Google Play Store or Apps Store.

 

FAQ

Q: Where can I find full details of fee structure for US stocks.
A: Brokerage from RM 7 – RM 100, refer here: https://www.rakutentrade.my/fees

Q: Would shares be parked under CDS?
A: CDS is for Bursa. US share will be parked under IBKR (Interactive Broker in US) number.

Q: Is there an option for share transfer in & out?
A: No, this is not available.

Q: Are dividends subjected to taxes and credit directly to RT account?
A: Yes. Net dividend will directly be credited to your RT account.

Q: Margin account for foreign stocks?
A: No, this is not available.

Q: Are fractional shares an option?
A: Stay tuned for news on this.

Q: Is there a dividend reinvestment plan?
A: No, this is not available.

Q: Is there any IPO planning application for 2022 or 2023?
A: Unfortunately, no, not at this time.

Q: Is pre-market & after-hours trading available?
A: You can place order pre and after trading hour, but order will only be matched during trading time.

Q: Grey market for US new IPOs?
A: No.

Q: Can trade OTC stocks?
A: No.

Q: Is US price feed live?
A: By default, it is delayed 15 minutes. However, you may subscribe the live feature via Settings in Web portal (free from now till 31 March 2022). If you wish to continue this service after that date, it would be RM 10 per month.

Q: Is customer support available during US trading time?
A: Yes it is, support via email.

Q: Will issues be addressed immediately?
A: Yes, via email.

Q: Is there any ongoing campaign for new applicants?
A: New applicants who successfully sign up for a Cash Upfront account and enable their Foreign Market service between 14 – 26 Jan will receive 1 FREE US Share. Refer here: https://www.rakutentrade.my/b/campaigns/1-free-us-share

 

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