The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is set to launch Bitcoin perpetual futures contracts in the second half of 2025, offering institutional clients access to cryptocurrency derivatives. This move is part of SGX’s strategy to bridge the gap between traditional financial markets and the growing crypto sector.
The Bitcoin futures contracts will be available only to institutional clients and professional investors. Retail traders will be excluded from participation. The launch is contingent upon regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which has yet to provide its approval.
A Step Toward Expanding Institutional Access
SGX aims to enhance institutional market access by offering Bitcoin perpetual futures, a product with no expiration date, unlike conventional futures contracts. This allows traders to speculate on Bitcoin price movements without holding the underlying asset.
Perpetual futures, first introduced by BitMEX in 2016, are widely used on crypto exchanges such as Binance and OKX. However, they have also been associated with events like the downfall of FTX.
SGX believes that its Aa2 credit rating from Moody’s will help establish trust and stability among institutional investors. The exchange views its Bitcoin futures contracts as an important step toward growing its cryptocurrency offerings and positioning itself as a leader in the regulated crypto market.
Competition from Other Exchanges
EDX Markets, a digital-asset exchange backed by Citadel Securities in Singapore, announced similar Bitcoin futures products earlier this year. Japan’s Osaka Dojima Exchange Inc., dating back to the 18th century, is also seeking approval to offer Bitcoin futures.
SGX’s move to offer Bitcoin futures is part of Singapore’s broader push to increase its presence in the crypto space. Recently, Fly Wing Technologies, a subsidiary of Matrixport, received a Major Payment Institution (MPI) License from MAS. Hex Trust Group, specializing in institutional-grade custody and trading solutions, also acquired an MPI from MAS in March 2025.
These developments highlight Singapore’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a global fintech hub while expanding its acceptance of regulated crypto services.
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