Which Stock Broker Should You Open a CDS Account With?
Most people already know what a CDS Account is. If you still don''t know what CDS is, why you need a CDS account, the difference between Islamic and conventional accounts, the difference between Direct CDS and Nominee CDS, the requirements to open a CDS account, and all the basics related to CDS accounts, you can read our previously published article at CDS Account for Trading.
In this article, I want to share how to choose a stock broker. Previously, many people have direct-messaged me and also asked in our Telegram group about the differences between available brokers and why they should open a CDS account with a particular broker.
To answer this question, it''s better for me to first explain what a broker is and what its function is.
A broker is an entity that acts as an intermediary between companies listed on Bursa Malaysia and stock investors (the general public).
Essentially, ordinary investors like us cannot buy shares directly from a company. For example, you can''t just walk into Petronas Dagangan and meet the Director to buy shares in the company — you simply won''t be entertained.
So, how do we buy ownership of shares in a company? The answer is through a broker. If we want to purchase share ownership in a company, we must go through an intermediary — the stock broker. A broker is a company, not an individual.
You can check the detailed list of broker companies available in Malaysia here.
To open a CDS account, we need to deal with a representative from the broker company — either a Remisier or a Dealer.
What Is the Difference Between a Remisier and a Dealer? Which One Is Better?
A remisier is essentially an agent for the broker company. A remisier''s commission is based on the total charges imposed on investors. So, if they want to earn more commission, they need to serve their clients as best as possible to encourage buying and selling activity. If a client does not make any transactions, the remisier receives no commission.
The situation is different for a dealer. A dealer receives a fixed salary from the broker company they work for.
So, now that you know the functions of a broker, remisier, and dealer, we can move on to the main question — what are the differences between broker companies?
1. Brokerage Fees
Brokerage fees are the most noticeable difference when comparing brokers. This is because brokerage fees are charges that investors must pay every time they make a buy or sell transaction for their share holdings.
As an example, let''s compare two stock brokers — Broker A and Broker B.
Company C''s shares are priced at RM0.20 per unit
Example purchase of 100 lots (10,000 units)
Total Price = RM0.20 x 10,000 = RM2,000
Broker A charges a minimum fee of RM10 for a share purchase worth RM2,000.
Meanwhile, Broker B charges a minimum fee of RM20 for a share purchase worth RM2,000.
2. Stamp Duty Charge = RM2
3. Clearance Charge = RM0.60
TOTAL CHARGES:
BROKER A: RM10 + RM2.60 = RM12.60
BROKER B: RM20 + RM2.60 = RM22.60
Remember that these charges are imposed every time we buy and sell shares. The more transactions we make, the more charges we incur.
So, don''t think that small differences are insignificant, because when you add up all the transactions we make, you''ll see that the cost difference is actually quite substantial.
Services
Services are initiatives that differ according to the broker or remisier. For example, some brokers provide free classes to everyone who opens an account through them.
There are also remisiers who offer affordable classes exclusively for their clients.
So, before you open an account with any broker through a remisier or dealer, it''s best to first find out what the remisier or dealer is offering and what advantages you''ll gain by opening an account through them.
Trading Platform
A stock trading platform is the application we need to make share purchases and sales.
By using a platform, we can access information related to all companies traded on Bursa Malaysia.
FAQ — Choosing a Stock Broker in Malaysia
What is a CDS account?
A CDS (Central Depository System) account is required to hold and trade shares on Bursa Malaysia. You must open one through a licensed broker.
What is the difference between a remisier and a dealer?
A remisier earns commission based on client transactions, while a dealer receives a fixed salary from the broker company.
How do I choose the best stock broker in Malaysia?
Compare brokerage fees, services offered (such as free classes), and the quality of the trading platform before making your decision.
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