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HashKey Holdings plans to acquire Asia Pacific Exchange ($APEX), a Singapore-regulated derivatives exchange and clearing house. The deal would strengthen HashKey’s services for institutional investors and expand its financial infrastructure across Asia.
The announcement came on the same day HashKey launched a new crypto trading app that gives users access to multiple regulated markets in one place, highlighting the company’s goal of building a connected digital asset ecosystem across different regions.
HashKey Eyes Singapore’s Rare Dual-Licensed Exchange
HashKey said its Singapore subsidiary, HKDAG (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., has signed a preliminary agreement to potentially acquire 100% of Asia Pacific Exchange ($APEX).
$APEX operates a regulated exchange and clearing house in Singapore. It holds an Approved Exchange (AE) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), while its affiliate, Asia Pacific Clear Pte. Ltd., holds an Approved Clearing House (ACH) license.
HashKey said only three companies in Singapore hold both licenses, making $APEX one of the few firms capable of offering exchange, clearing, issuance, and settlement services under one group.
Deal Could Boost Services for Institutional Clients
If the acquisition goes ahead, HashKey says it will improve its trading and clearing services for institutional clients.
The company said the deal would help it build a broader financial platform that includes trading, custody, payments, clearing, and settlement, making it easier to serve banks, financial institutions, and professional investors.
HashKey added that expanding in Singapore supports its long-term plan to grow a regulated fintech business across Asia and other global markets.
The company also noted that the deal is not yet final. It remains subject to due diligence, final agreements, and approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
HashKey Launches One App for Four Regulated Markets
Earlier today, HashKey launched its new HashKey Exchange App, combining its HashKey Exchange and HashKey Global apps into a single platform.
The new app allows users to access regulated services in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bermuda, and Dubai through one interface, while each market continues to operate under its own local regulations.
HashKey said the app also brings together services across its various platforms. Hong Kong focuses on spot trading, OTC services, tokenized investment products, and fiat deposits and withdrawals.
Singapore specializes in OTC block trades, with orders ranging from $10 million to $50 million for corporate clients. Bermuda offers derivatives trading, while Dubai focuses on spot trading and brokerage services.
Expansion Supports Regulated Growth Strategy
The $APEX acquisition and the launch of HashKey’s unified exchange app demonstrate the company’s focus on expanding its regulated digital asset business rather than simply adding new trading products.
If regulators approve the $APEX deal, HashKey will gain access to one of Singapore’s few exchanges licensed for both trading and clearing. This would strengthen its existing regulated presence in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Middle East, and Bermuda.
Together, these moves highlight HashKey’s strategy of connecting regulated markets and building stronger infrastructure for institutional investors across Asia.
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