How to Check if a Company is Listed in Singapore

Finding out if a company is listed on a stock exchange can be crucial for investors, regulators, or individuals interested in the company’s financial health. In Singapore, the primary stock exchange is the Singapore Exchange (SGX), and it hosts numerous local and international companies. Checking if a company is listed can be done in several ways, from online searches to using specific financial databases. This guide will walk you through various methods to check if a company is listed in Singapore, the steps involved, and why it matters.

Why Is It Important to Check if a Company is Listed?

A listed company means that it is public and its shares can be traded on a recognized exchange. These companies are subject to rigorous regulations, audits, and transparency requirements, making them more reliable in terms of financial data compared to private companies. Checking if a company is listed could be important for the following reasons:

• Investor confidence: Listed companies are required to disclose financial reports, offering a transparent view of their health and performance.
• Corporate governance: Being listed involves adhering to rules that improve corporate governance, accountability, and ethical standards.
• Potential for investment: Investors looking to buy shares need to ensure that the company is actually listed to assess whether their investment is sound.

Methods to Check if a Company Is Listed in Singapore

1. Using the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Website

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is the most straightforward way to check if a company is listed. SGX provides a comprehensive database of all companies listed on the exchange, and its search functionality makes it easy for users to look up information.

• Visit the SGX official website: https://www.sgx.com
• Use the search bar on the homepage.
• Enter the company’s name or stock code to see if it appears in the list of listed companies.

This method allows you to access critical information like stock prices, market capitalization, and the company’s financial disclosures.

2. Checking Financial News Websites

Several financial news platforms and databases, like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Yahoo Finance, also provide information about publicly traded companies. These platforms usually pull data directly from exchanges like SGX, making them reliable sources for checking a company’s listed status.

• Navigate to Bloomberg (www.bloomberg.com), Reuters (www.reuters.com), or Yahoo Finance (finance.yahoo.com).
• Use the search functionality on these platforms to search for the company's name.
• If the company is listed, you will see its stock information.

3. Using a Stock Brokerage Platform

Most brokerage platforms provide access to stock listings as part of their service. Whether you’re using a traditional broker or an online trading platform like Tiger Brokers, Saxo Markets, or IG, you can search for listed companies directly within the app or website.

Steps:

• Log into your brokerage account.
• Use the platform’s search bar to input the company name.
• Check if it comes up as an option for trading.

If it appears, this confirms the company’s listed status.

4. Financial Databases (e.g., Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters Eikon)

Financial databases like Bloomberg Terminal and Thomson Reuters Eikon offer a deep dive into company information. These platforms are generally used by financial professionals, but if you have access to them, they provide very detailed data on listed companies, stock performance, financial health, and market trends.

• Launch Bloomberg Terminal or Eikon.
• Search the company name.
• Access the detailed listing information, including share performance, historical data, and recent news.

5. Annual Reports and Corporate Filings

Publicly listed companies are required to publish annual reports and disclose financial information. These documents are often available on the company's website under the investor relations section.

• Visit the company’s official website.
• Go to the Investor Relations or Financial Reports section.
• Look for Annual Reports, where the company’s listing status is usually stated.

6. Business Registries and Government Databases

Government websites and business registries in Singapore may also provide information about listed companies. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore, for example, maintains records of companies registered in the country. While ACRA focuses more on company registration, it can still provide a starting point for finding out more about a company’s financial status.

• Visit ACRA’s website: https://www.acra.gov.sg
• Search for the company in their registry.
• If a company is listed, it should also show up in ACRA’s public listings.

What Happens After You Confirm a Company is Listed?

Once you've confirmed that a company is listed on SGX, you can proceed with several actions:

1. Investing: You can now buy shares through a brokerage platform if you are interested in investing.
2. Company Research: You can analyze the company's financial performance, market trends, and stock history to make an informed decision.
3. Risk Assessment: Public companies are generally seen as lower risk compared to private firms because of the stringent regulations and the need for transparency. However, always conduct due diligence before investing.

Things to Be Aware Of:

• Delisted Companies: Some companies might have been listed in the past but have since been delisted. This means they are no longer available for public trading on SGX. Delisted companies are harder to research and may require a deeper investigation through financial news or archived reports.
• Foreign Listings: Some international companies are listed on multiple exchanges. While they might be available on the SGX, they could also be listed in their home country’s exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Confirm that you are viewing the SGX listing specifically.

Conclusion

Checking if a company is listed in Singapore is essential for investors and analysts looking to assess the company's financial status, transparency, and governance. Using the SGX website, financial news platforms, or brokerage tools, anyone can easily verify a company’s listing status. Moreover, databases like Bloomberg and Eikon provide deeper insights for professional analysis. Ensuring a company is listed before investing or conducting business with it provides an additional layer of trust and reliability.