Can I borrow against my shares? A market-by-market guide
The main ways to raise cash against listed shares in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Last reviewed 2026-10-25
Education only. This is not financial, legal or tax advice, and it is not an offer. Terms vary by provider and case. Take independent advice before you sign anything.
The short answer
Yes. In most Asia-Pacific markets you can raise cash against listed shares through broker margin, a bank share loan or overdraft, a private-bank Lombard line, or specialist share-backed financing. Retail products suit diversified, smaller portfolios. Large or concentrated holdings, or holders living outside the listing market, usually look at specialist financing that can be non-recourse, cross-border, with no personal guarantee.
Options by market
| Market | Common retail route | Private-bank route | For large / concentrated holdings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Margin lending against ASX shares | Portfolio lending | Specialist share-backed financing |
| Singapore | Share financing / margin at banks and brokers | Lombard credit | Specialist share-backed financing |
| Hong Kong | Securities margin at brokers and banks | Lombard credit | Stock loans and share-backed financing |
| Malaysia | Share margin financing; share overdraft | Premier/private banking lines | Specialist share-backed financing |
Australia
Australians commonly ask whether they can borrow against shares. Margin loans are the usual retail answer and are designed for buying more shares. Holders of a large ASX position, especially those living in Asia, often compare margin with cross-border share-backed financing.
Singapore
Singapore banks and brokers offer share financing accounts, mainly to buy more shares, and private banks offer Lombard credit. Concentrated SGX positions and holders outside Singapore often need a specialist provider.
Hong Kong and Malaysia
Hong Kong brokers offer securities margin and banks offer stock-secured loans. In Malaysia, banks offer share margin financing and overdrafts against approved Bursa Malaysia shares. In both markets, large single-stock positions are often limited by banks.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, usually through margin lending. Large ASX holdings can also use specialist share-backed financing.
Yes, through bank and broker share financing, private-bank Lombard credit, or specialist financing for large holdings.
It keeps ownership and upside but has costs and conditions. Compare with independent advice.
Squadron Capital works with listed holdings of USD 1 million or more.
Want to borrow against a large holding?
Squadron Capital provides non-recourse, cross-border financing with no personal guarantee, for listed holdings of USD 1 million or more. A Fast Term Sheet gives you indicative terms to compare.
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