Singapore Exchange Unveils Institutional-Grade Bitcoin and Ethereum Perpetual Futures

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has officially launched its first perpetual futures contracts for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), marking a major milestone in the development of regulated crypto-derivatives in Asia. The new contracts, introduced in late November 2025, are designed specifically for institutional, accredited, and expert investors, positioning Singapore as a growing hub for digital-asset innovation.

Perpetual futures often referred to as perps allow traders to maintain continuous exposure to an asset without a defined expiration date. Unlike standard futures, these contracts utilize a funding-rate mechanism to ensure prices remain aligned with the underlying spot market. This structure has fueled the popularity of crypto perpetual futures globally, which account for more than US$180 billion in average daily trading volume.

SGX’s perpetual futures are centrally cleared and operate within a regulated exchange environment, giving institutions a safer and more transparent alternative to offshore crypto platforms. The exchange developed the product with clearing support from an established global brokerage and risk-management provider, ensuring strong operational oversight and adherence to regulatory standards.

These futures are tied to recognized digital-asset indices that track Bitcoin and Ethereum pricing, allowing institutions to gain exposure or hedge positions using trusted benchmarks. The contracts run on a five-day trading week with extended trading hours, offering flexibility for global participants who need predictable and secure access to crypto-linked instruments.

By offering these products, SGX aims to attract institutions seeking regulated exposure to high-growth digital assets, potentially shifting part of the global perpetual-futures volume onto an on-shore, transparent venue. This move also reflects Singapore’s broader strategy to support responsible digital-asset development while protecting retail participants by limiting access to high-risk derivatives.

Analysts note that perpetual futures can offer significant liquidity and capital efficiency, but they also involve substantial risks. Leverage can amplify both profits and losses, and rapid price swings in the crypto market can lead to sudden margin calls or forced liquidations. As such, SGX’s focus on institutional-only access is intended to ensure these products are used by participants with professional risk-management capabilities.

Overall, the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures at SGX represents a significant step in bridging traditional finance with the cryptocurrency sector. With regulated clearing, established benchmarks, and institutional safeguards, the exchange aims to redefine how professional investors engage with crypto derivatives in a secure and compliant environment.

FAQs

Q1: What are perpetual futures?

Perpetual futures are derivative contracts that have no expiration date. They use funding rates to keep the contract price aligned with the spot market, offering continuous exposure to assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Q2: Who is eligible to trade SGX’s perpetual futures?

These products are restricted to institutional, accredited, and expert investors. Retail investors cannot access them due to the complexity and risk involved.

Q3: What assets do the SGX perpetual futures cover?

SGX has launched perpetual futures for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), two of the largest digital assets by market capitalization.

Q4: Why are these products significant for institutional investors?

Institutions now have a regulated, exchange-cleared platform to trade crypto derivatives instead of relying on unregulated offshore exchanges.

Q5: What are the main risks of perpetual futures?

Key risks include high leverage, volatility, funding-rate costs, margin calls, and liquidation risks. These products require sophisticated risk management.

Q6: How do SGX perpetual futures differ from offshore crypto exchanges?

They offer regulated clearing, stronger oversight, consistent benchmarks, and institutional safeguards, making them more transparent and compliant.

Q7: How will this launch impact the broader crypto-derivatives market?

By moving perpetual futures into a regulated environment, SGX could bring more institutional volume onshore, increase market transparency, and support the maturation of digital-asset derivatives.