Singapore Exchange Plans to Launch Bitcoin Perpetual Futures in 2025

SGX targets institutional investors with a regulated alternative to crypto derivatives.

Updated Mar 10, 2025, 12:32 p.m. UTCPublished Mar 10, 2025, 10:45 a.m. UTC

Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX) is set to introduce bitcoin (BTC) perpetual futures in the second half of 2025, marking a significant step for the traditional exchange into the crypto derivatives market, the exchange said.

These contracts, designed for institutional clients and professional investors, will not be accessible to retail traders. Bloomberg first reported on SGX's bitcoin perpetuals plan.

“SGX Group is leading the way in the burgeoning international institutional crypto market with perpetual futures. In a space where confidence and credibility make all the difference, our innovative offering on a trusted, regulated platform will significantly expand institutional market access. While subject to due regulatory process, initial feedback on our product has been positive from both DeFi and TradFi participants,” the company said in a statement.

SGX's move aligns with a broader trend among traditional exchanges embracing cryptocurrency derivatives. Japan's Osaka Dojima Exchange Inc. is also seeking approval to list bitcoin futures, reflecting growing institutional interest in digital assets, particularly amid pro-crypto policies from the U.S. government.

The planned bitcoin perpetual futures are still subject to due regulatory process with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Unlike traditional futures, perpetual contracts have no expiration date, allowing traders to speculate on price movements continuously. SGX aims to provide a secure and regulated alternative for crypto trading,

leveraging its Aa2 rating from Moody’s.

This initiative could enhance institutional market participation in cryptocurrency while addressing credit risks associated with unregulated crypto exchanges like Binance and OKX.

UPDATE (March 10, 12:30 UTC): Updates sourcing, adds statement from SGX.

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James Van Straten

James Van Straten is a Senior Analyst at CoinDesk, specializing in Bitcoin and its interplay with the macroeconomic environment. Previously, James worked as a Research Analyst at Saidler & Co., a Swiss hedge fund, where he developed expertise in on-chain analytics. His work focuses on monitoring flows to analyze Bitcoin's role within the broader financial system. In addition to his professional endeavors, James serves as an advisor to Coinsilium, a UK publicly traded company, where he provides guidance on their Bitcoin treasury strategy. He also holds investments in Bitcoin, MicroStrategy (MSTR), and Semler Scientific (SMLR).

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