SGX Bridges Traditional Finance and Crypto with Institutional-Grade Futures Launch

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is set to introduce institutional-grade Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures, marking a significant expansion into the cryptocurrency derivatives market. The contracts, benchmarked to iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, will launch on November 24, 2025, offering a continuous, no-expiry structure to institutional, accredited, and expert investors. This move aims to bring institutional-grade benchmarks and regulated frameworks to a market that has seen over $187 billion in daily average trading volumes globally, with Asia at the center of this growth.

The new perpetual futures contracts, which do not expire and can be held indefinitely, allow traders to maintain leveraged positions on crypto price movements. Unlike traditional futures, these instruments cater to the dynamic nature of crypto markets while aligning with the robust clearing and margining standards of listed derivatives. SGX's initiative is positioned to attract institutional investors seeking exposure to digital assets within a regulated environment, as the exchange emphasizes its commitment to bridging traditional finance and digital asset markets.

Michael Syn, president of SGX, highlighted the growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, stating, "Digital assets have made their way into institutional investors' portfolios," and described the launch as "the next logical and deliberate step" in SGX's strategy. The exchange has restricted access to the contracts to accredited, expert, and institutional investors, reflecting its stance that crypto derivatives are unsuitable for retail traders. This approach aligns with Singapore's broader regulatory framework, which balances innovation with investor protection.

The timing of the launch follows a period of heightened crypto market volatility, spurred by a months-long rally linked to the Trump administration's pro-crypto policies. By offering on-exchange trading, SGX aims to redirect significant Asian crypto derivative flows-currently priced and settled on offshore platforms-into a regulated, transparent framework. The exchange's move also underscores Singapore's reputation as a fintech hub, where regulatory clarity coexists with technological innovation.

While SGX's focus is on institutional-grade products, the broader market has seen a surge in crypto derivatives. By leveraging CoinDesk's indices, SGX ensures its contracts are tied to widely recognized benchmarks, enhancing credibility and liquidity for market participants.