2.1 Category of Applicants
An applicant to become a Depository Agent must be an entity belonging to one of the following categories:
Amended on 18 January 2022 and 15 July 2026.
2.2 Discretion to Approve/Reject Application and Conditions
An applicant to become a Depository Agent shall furnish to the Depository such information as the Depository may in its discretion require in connection with the application.
The Depository may, in its absolute discretion, without giving any reason, approve or reject an application for registration as a Depository Agent having due regard to factors including the following:
The Depository may approve an application subject to such conditions or restrictions as it may in its absolute discretion deem appropriate. The Depository shall inform the applicant of the imposition or withdrawal of any such condition or restriction. A breach of any such condition or restriction shall constitute a breach of these CDP Rules.
Amended on 15 July 2026.
2.3 General Duties
An applicant whose application to become a Depository Agent has been approved by the Depository:
Amended on 15 July 2026.
2.4 Nominee Company Applicant
Where an applicant to be a Depository Agent is a nominee company:
2.4.1 the entity that the applicant provides custodial services to must be an entity regulated by MAS ("the Regulated Entity");
2.4.1A the applicant must not provide custodial services other than those to facilitate the provision of custodial services by that Regulated Entity, in respect of Deposited Securities that the Regulated Entity holds on trust for the Regulated Entity’s customers;
2.4.2 the applicant must furnish a banker's guarantee from a bank unrelated to the applicant, and acceptable to the Depository, to guarantee the due performance of its obligations under the Depository Agent Terms, and indemnify the Depository against all claims, losses, damages, costs, and expenses that may be incurred as a result of the breach, failure or inability of the applicant to perform any of its obligations; and
2.4.3 the Regulated Entity must provide a letter of undertaking in a form satisfactory to the Depository to be liable for any amount owing by the applicant.
Amended on 15 July 2026.
2.5 Applicant's Agreement
An applicant whose application to become a Depository Agent has been approved by the Depository shall: