The Singapore Exchange (SGX) plans to enter the cryptocurrency derivatives market by introducing Bitcoin perpetual futures in the second half of 2025, Bloomberg reported.

As institutional interest in digital assets continues to rise, SGX aims to provide a regulated platform with the new offering. However, it is subject to approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Institutional Access to Bitcoin Futures Expands

SGX's move reportedly aligns with the growing demand for crypto derivatives among institutional players. The reports come as Bitcoin faces a downward price momentum. At the time of writing, the digital asset changed hands for $83,264, representing a 1% and 10% decline in the past day and week, respectively.

By launching Bitcoin perpetual futures, SGX seeks to offer an alternative investment vehicle that allows traders to speculate on Bitcoin price movements without holding the actual asset.

Perpetual futures are a type of derivative contract similar to traditional futures but without an expiration date. They allow traders to speculate on the price movements of an asset (like cryptocurrencies , stocks, or commodities) without owning the underlying asset.

Singapore has positioned itself as a crypto-friendly hub, with the regulator doubling the number of crypto licenses issued in 2024. Singapore is not alone in this trend.

Other major exchanges in Asia are also exploring Bitcoin futures offerings. Japan's Osaka Dojima Exchange has reportedly applied for regulatory approval to list Bitcoin futures, potentially making it one of the first traditional exchanges in the region to offer such products, Cointelegraph reported.

Regulatory Approval and Market Trends

Meanwhile, EDX Markets, a crypto asset firm backed by Citadel Securities, announced plans to introduce crypto futures in Singapore by early 2025. Derivatives like perpetual futures provide exposure to cryptocurrency price movements without requiring direct ownership, making them an attractive option for institutions looking to hedge risk or gain speculative exposure.

With SGX entering the space, Singapore is poised to strengthen its position as a key player in institutional crypto adoption. If approved, the Bitcoin perpetual futures launch could mark another step in the city-state's expanding role in the global digital asset market.

Meanwhile, the global derivatives marketplace CME Group announced plans last year to broaden its cryptocurrency derivatives offering with Bitcoin and Ether futures.

Giovanni Vicioso, the Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products at CME Group, commented: “The launch of these new Micro Euro-denominated contracts will provide clients with additional products to more efficiently hedge Bitcoin and ether exposure in the second-highest traded fiat behind US dollar-based contracts.”