Singapore strengthens its position as a leading hub for digital asset innovation with SGX’s upcoming crypto derivatives offering.
In a strategic move that underscores Singapore’s ambitions to be a global leader in digital finance, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has announced plans to introduce Bitcoin perpetual futures in the second half of 2025. The product, pending regulatory approval, marks SGX’s entry into the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency derivatives, specifically targeting institutional and professional investors.
Unlike traditional futures contracts, Bitcoin perpetual futures have no expiration date, allowing for continuous trading and the use of leverage—features that have made them a staple in the global crypto trading landscape. SGX’s new offering is expected to provide market participants with a regulated and secure platform to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements, without directly holding the underlying asset.
The initiative aligns with Singapore’s broader strategy to position itself as a global fintech and crypto hub. It also reflects a wider trend of established financial institutions embracing digital assets within regulated frameworks. SGX’s decision to exclude retail investors from accessing the product underscores the complex and high-risk nature of crypto derivatives, prioritizing safeguards for less experienced participants.
The launch remains subject to approval by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which enforces the city-state’s rigorous financial regulations under the Payment Services Act. MAS has demonstrated increasing support for digital asset infrastructure, having issued 13 cryptocurrency licenses in 2024 to major firms like OKX and BitGo—more than double the number approved in 2023.
Market analysts view SGX’s foray into crypto derivatives as a response to rising institutional demand for secure and compliant avenues to trade digital assets. Shi Le, Managing Director of crypto trading firm Auros, stated that SGX’s regulated platform could reduce counterparty risk, which remains a critical concern on unregulated exchanges.
Chengyi, a representative from SGX, noted that the new futures product is designed to support portfolio diversification for institutional clients, helping to bridge Bitcoin into the realm of traditional asset classes. “Our focus is on integrating digital assets into professional investment frameworks,” he said.
The development comes amid increased competition in Asia’s crypto landscape, particularly between Singapore and Hong Kong. Both financial hubs are pursuing progressive yet regulated approaches to digital asset markets, aiming to attract international firms and investors.
The SGX launch also arrives as traditional financial giants such as Standard Chartered and Fidelity deepen their involvement in crypto custody and infrastructure. Analysts believe that SGX’s move could trigger further innovation across global regulated markets, creating new benchmarks for how digital assets are traded securely.
Darius Sit, Co-Founder of crypto investment firm QCP, suggested that SGX’s Bitcoin perpetual futures may be the first in a broader suite of digital asset offerings from the exchange. “This is just the beginning of SGX’s crypto roadmap,” he said.
With Singapore boasting an Aa2 credit rating from Moody’s and a reputation for regulatory stability, SGX is poised to offer a credible and transparent alternative to offshore and less regulated exchanges—at a time when institutional players are seeking greater security in the crypto space.
Saad Ahmed of Gemini described the move as “a milestone for crypto maturity in Asia-Pacific,” pointing to growing institutional adoption as a key signal of the industry’s evolution. “It’s no longer just about speculation,” he added. “It’s about integration into real financial infrastructure.”
The introduction of Bitcoin perpetual futures on SGX marks a significant chapter in Singapore’s financial evolution, strengthening its reputation as a safe and forward-thinking jurisdiction for digital asset innovation.
