The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is set to introduce Bitcoin perpetual futures as traditional financial institutions deepen their involvement in crypto derivatives, Bloomberg News reported. The contracts are expected to launch in the second half of 2025, catering exclusively to institutional and professional investors, according to an SGX spokesperson.
The move aligns with a broader trend of established exchanges expanding into cryptocurrency markets, driven by increasing demand for digital assets amid US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies. Bloomberg News previously reported on March 4 that Japan’s Osaka Dojima Exchange, one of the world’s oldest trading venues, is seeking approval to list Bitcoin futures.
SGX aims to bridge the gap between traditional financial markets and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency trading. “Our offering will significantly expand institutional market access,” the spokesperson stated.
The proposed contracts remain subject to approval by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Perpetual futures, which lack an expiry date, allow traders to speculate on price movements without directly holding the underlying asset.
SGX is not the only entity eyeing Singapore’s market for such instruments. In January 2024, US-based digital asset platform EDX Markets, backed by Citadel Securities, announced its intent to launch similar products in the city-state.
While perpetual contracts are popular on offshore crypto exchanges such as Binance and OKX, they have also been linked to the downfall of FTX, the platform co-founded by Sam Bankman-Fried. Concerns over counterparty risks persist, given the history of crypto exchanges experiencing security breaches and operational failures.
However, SGX emphasizes its robust financial standing, with an ‘Aa2’ rating from Moody’s, positioning it as a credible alternative for institutional crypto futures trading.
Singapore is a leading country in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption. Its favorable regulatory environment, clear legal guidelines, and strategic position as a global financial hub are among the factors that have made the country so attractive for crypto businesses and innovation.
The government and financial regulators rigorously monitor crypto exchanges to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) laws.
Shogun Lin
