AsiaNext, a digital asset trading platform designed exclusively for institutions, has launched its crypto derivatives trading. The Singapore-based joint venture was formed between SBI Digital Asset Holdings (SBI DAH) and SIX.

This development follows a survey by SBI DAH and AsiaNext, which found that institutional interest in digital assets has grown despite the recent downturn in the cryptocurrency market. The survey indicated a 60% increase in client demand for tokenised securities over the past year.

AsiaNext is set to become an integral part of a unique, fully integrated digital asset ecosystem, offering a comprehensive value chain for digital assets to professional investors.

This ecosystem is expected to address the needs of institutional investors, offering solutions like reduced risks in counterparty and settlement, and capital efficiencies through innovative risk management processes.

Additionally, AsiaNext’s platform will feature low latency and high frequency trading capabilities, operational 24/7, tailored to suit the demands of institutional-grade trading.

The platform, which received its Capital Markets Services and Regulated Market Operator licenses from the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2023, plans to expand its offerings.

This includes a range of products such as digital securities, tokenised real-world assets, and sustainability-focused listings.

In a separate move, AsiaNext is also seeking a major payment institution license to provide digital payment token services through a different subsidiary.

“The main motivation was to create a fair, orderly and transparent venue through which institutions can transact with confidence; that helps them realise the benefits of digital assets and crypto, while helping to minimise the downside risk.

 

By putting regulation and rigorous governance at the forefront, we’re providing institutional investors with a safe venue for exposure to digital assets in this region.”

said Chong Kok Kee, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaNext.

“As institutions increasingly recognise the comprehensive benefits offered by digital assets, the emphasis on risk management and a robust underlying infrastructure from venues like AsiaNext becomes paramount,”

said Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO, SBI Holdings.

Featured image: (From left) Chong Kok Kee, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaNext; Jos Dijsselhof, CEO, SIX; and Yoshitaka Kitao, CEO, SBI Holdings