SGX to Launch Bitcoin and Ether Perpetual Futures for Institutional Traders on November 24

• SGX will launch bitcoin and ether perpetual futures on November 24 for institutional trading.
• The new contracts use iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices for reliable benchmark price discovery.
• Regulated perpetual futures bring offshore crypto trading onshore and boost market transparency.

Singapore Exchange’s (SGX) derivatives division announced that it will introduce bitcoin and ether perpetual futures on November 24. The launch brings a major offshore crypto instrument onto a regulated local platform.

The contracts aim to combine institutional market discipline with the flexibility of crypto trading. Perpetual futures allow positions to remain open indefinitely, removing the need for expiry-based rollover. These instruments are widely traded globally, with daily volumes exceeding $187 billion.

Institutional Access and Market Structure

The new contracts target institutional investors seeking regulated crypto exposure. Perpetual futures allow precise portfolio management without directly owning the underlying assets. The SGX contracts reference the iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, providing alignment with recognized institutional benchmarks.

Reference rates are published daily at 4 p.m. SGT, covering performance across liquid and reliable exchanges. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and holidays, real-time indexing provides a never-ending transparency of prices.

Industry Support and Strategic Implications

Key industry players, including DBS Bank and OKX, welcomed SGX’s launch. The contracts offer regulated access to crypto markets previously dominated by offshore venues. Institutions can now trade bitcoin and ether derivatives with traditional margining and clearing standards.

The contracts support capital efficiency and risk management for professional investors. Perpetual futures are already among the most traded crypto instruments globally, reflecting high demand for flexible derivatives.

Market Impact and Regional Growth

The introduction of regulated perpetual futures is expected to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional crypto hub. Earlier this year, Singapore Exchange revealed plans to launch Bitcoin perpetual futures in 2025 for institutional investors. Localized reference benchmarks provide transparency and confidence for institutional participants.

The product addresses growing institutional interest in diversified portfolios combining crypto and traditional assets. Asia’s share of global perpetual futures trading is expanding, but most activity still occurs offshore. Last year, Bitnomial secured $25M led by Ripple Labs and launched a U.S.-based perpetual futures trading platform.

SGX’s offering brings these flows onshore, offering more secure and regulated trading options. The contracts also utilize a funding rate mechanism, keeping contract prices aligned with underlying market values.