Key Insights
- Singapore Exchange plans to launch Bitcoin perpetual futures in H2 2025, to meet rising institutional demand for crypto derivatives.
- The move aligns with increased institutional interest in crypto futures across Asia, with Japan’s Osaka Dojima Exchange also seeking approval for Bitcoin futures.
SINGAPORE (MarketsXplora) – The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is set to enter the cryptocurrency derivatives market with the planned introduction of Bitcoin perpetual futures in the second half of 2025, Bloomberg reported. The move underscores rising institutional interest in digital assets and is subject to regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
The new offering aims to provide institutional investors with a regulated platform to trade Bitcoin futures contracts. The development comes at a time when Bitcoin is experiencing downward price momentum, with the digital asset trading at $83,264, reflecting a 1% decline in the past day and a 10% drop over the last week.
Institutional Adoption of Crypto Derivatives
SGX’s decision aligns with the growing demand for cryptocurrency derivatives among institutional investors. By launching Bitcoin perpetual futures, the exchange will offer an alternative investment vehicle that enables traders to speculate on Bitcoin price movements without owning the actual asset. Unlike traditional futures contracts, perpetual futures do not have an expiration date, making them a preferred choice for long-term traders looking to gain exposure to crypto markets.
Singapore has emerged as a leading crypto-friendly jurisdiction, with regulators doubling the number of crypto licenses issued in 2024. SGX’s move follows similar trends seen across Asia, where major exchanges are exploring Bitcoin futures to cater to institutional demand. Japan’s Osaka Dojima Exchange has reportedly applied for regulatory approval to list Bitcoin futures, positioning itself as one of the region’s first traditional exchanges to offer such products, according to Cointelegraph.
Global Crypto Derivatives Market Grows
SGX is not alone in expanding its crypto derivatives offerings. EDX Markets, a digital asset platform backed by Citadel Securities, has announced plans to introduce cryptocurrency futures in Singapore by early 2025. Derivatives like perpetual futures provide exposure to crypto price movements without requiring direct asset ownership, making them attractive to institutional investors seeking hedging strategies or speculative opportunities.
The global cryptocurrency derivatives market is also witnessing increased participation from traditional financial institutions. CME Group, a major derivatives marketplace, previously announced plans to broaden its cryptocurrency derivatives suite with Bitcoin and Ether futures.
Giovanni Vicioso, Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, emphasized the importance of expanding offerings, stating that the launch of new micro Euro-denominated contracts would allow clients to hedge Bitcoin and Ether exposure more efficiently.