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Partnerships enable AsiaNext to launch crypto derivative trading

Web3 & Enterprise·January 10, 2024, 3:02 AM

AsiaNext, a Singapore-based institutional digital asset trading venue, has officially rolled out its cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform.

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Photo by Kirill Petropavlov on Unsplash

Wintermute and B2C2 collaborations

The launch involves notable trading members such as Wintermute and London-headquartered liquidity provider B2C2.

 

B2C2 is a subsidiary company of Japanese financial services conglomerate SBI Holdings. SBI acquired the company in August of last year with B2C2 expressing the view that the acquisition would represent an opportunity for the company to broaden its client base.

 

SBI partnered with Swiss financial infrastructure firm Six Group in a joint venture to establish AsiaNext back in 2020 with a view towards driving institutional digital asset liquidity. Meanwhile, Wintermute’s involvement with AsiaNext in this instance follows its move in 2023 to expand its Singapore base, where it conducts its derivatives business. In November, Wintermute Asia conducted its first-ever options block trade through the CME Group, one of the world’s leading derivatives marketplaces.

 

Wintermute's Founder & CEO, Evgeny Gaevoy, highlighted the significance of the partnership with AsiaNext in the context of traditional financial institutions seeking alternative exposure to digital assets. Gaevoy stated:

 

"Partnering with AsiaNext enables us to elevate our derivatives offering, positioning Wintermute in the foreground of the expanding digital asset ecosystem."

 

The AsiaNext platform asserts that it provides enhanced risk management with reduced counterparty and settlement risk. Additionally, AsiaNext offers capital efficiencies through intraday margining and settlement processes, supporting high-frequency trading and ensuring availability 24/7 for crypto derivatives trading.

 

Chong Kok Kee, CEO of AsiaNext, emphasized the platform's commitment to providing a secure environment for institutional investors to explore digital assets in the region. By prioritizing regulation and rigorous governance, AsiaNext aims to establish itself as a trusted venue for exposure to digital assets.

 

B2C2 CEO Thomas Restout commented on the positive nature of the collaboration. He stated:

”We’ve witnessed [AsiaNext’s] unwavering commitment to governance and risk management, alongside their focus on aligning closely with our needs. This instills a high level of confidence in our partnership. Being at the forefront of digital asset adoption, we are pleased to provide liquidity on the venue through our collaboration.”

 

Licensing approvals

It's worth noting that AsiaNext obtained a Recognized Market Operator (RMO) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in September. However, this license specifically pertains to tokenized securities, and as such, the crypto derivatives trading operates through a separate subsidiary.

 

In June the company had acquired in-principle approval for a Capital Markets Services (CMS) license.

 

On the digital securities front, SIX Digital Exchange (SDX) and Osaka Digital Exchange (ODX), operated by SIX and SBI respectively, play key roles in secondary markets, showcasing the partners' commitment to advancing regulated digital securities markets. Launched in late 2021, SDX was the world's first regulated digital securities market. SBI followed suit with the recent launch of ODX on Christmas Day.

 

The anticipated approval of the first U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs adds a timely dimension to the launch, potentially driving increased demand for hedging strategies in the market.

 

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