SGX Derivatives Transforms Crypto Trading with Regulated Futures

SGX Derivatives Launches Groundbreaking Perpetual Futures

On November 24, 2025, SGX Derivatives unveiled a revolutionary approach to cryptocurrency trading by introducing regulated perpetual futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum. This initiative aims to combine the rigorous standards of traditional financial markets with the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency, thus establishing a new benchmark in the sector.

A New Era for Cryptocurrency Trading

The perpetual futures contracts are designed without any expiration, aligning with the preferences of cryptocurrency traders while adhering to robust margin and settlement standards typical of established derivatives. This advancement provides a safer environment for investors, enabling them to trade cryptocurrencies in a regulated framework, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital asset markets.

Market Significance

Globally, perpetual futures generate an impressive average daily trading volume exceeding $187 billion, with Asia being the epicenter of this growth. Historically, much of this trading occurred on offshore platforms, which limited institutional participation. With SGX's entry, institutions can now confidently trade Bitcoin and Ethereum within a local market, enhancing their exposure to crypto assets.

Michael Syn, Group President of SGX, emphasized the rising interest in digital assets among institutional investors, noting, “We have taken a logical and deliberate step to apply the same institutional discipline from global markets to these widely-traded cryptocurrencies. By incorporating perpetual futures into a regulated and exchange-cleared framework, we are providing institutions with the confidence and scalability they have been seeking.”

Institutional Response

The launch has received positive feedback from market participants, who see it as a critical step towards increasing access to cryptocurrency markets that are becoming ever more mainstream. Leonard Hoh, Managing Director of Bitstamp by Robinhood - Asia-Pacific, remarked that the initiative reflects the evolution of market infrastructure and participation landscape, enabling institutions to trade on a grand scale effectively.

Patrick Yeo from DBS Bank stated that these perpetual contracts offer institutional traders better capital efficiency and accuracy in managing their digital asset portfolios compared to spot trading. With an eye towards wider adoption, this marks significant progress in the maturation of the digital asset ecosystem.

Joseph Chang, co-founder and CEO of Liquibit Capital, highlighted the importance of this launch, predicting that it would eventually bring regulated liquidity to the rapidly growing Asian digital asset markets.

Enhancing Market Stability

As institutions seek reputable venues combining the traditional market infrastructure with innovative crypto products, SGX's move signifies an innovative approach designed to draw global investors into the digital asset fold in Singapore. According to CJ Fong, General Manager APAC of GSR, the introduction of high-quality institutional perpetual futures is vital for the evolution of cryptocurrency markets.

Gracie Lin, CEO of OKX Singapore, noted the increasing demand for locally anchored benchmarks as institutions aim to incorporate crypto exposure alongside other asset classes. This step adds a layer of transparency and trust crucial for long-term growth within the ecosystem.

Melvin Deng, CEO of QCP, proclaimed SGX's entry into this market as a decisive moment for digital asset engagement in Asia, while Ramesh Arumugam from Virtu Financial echoed that centralized clearing of perpetual futures improves market liquidity fundamentals, reinforcing their ability to offer reliable pricing to institutional clients.

Conclusion

The launch of SGX’s regulated perpetual futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum marks a historic milestone in cryptocurrency trading, embedding robust compliance standards within a fluid trading environment. As SGX Derivatives continues to innovate, it sets a critical precedent for how digital asset markets can operate in conjunction with traditional financial principles, providing a solid foundation for the future dynamics of crypto trading.

For more information on SGX’s perpetual crypto futures, visit SGX Crypto.