Singaporean Bank Leads Asia With Crypto Options Premiere

Singapore's DBS Bank is pioneering the financial sector by offering OTC crypto options and structured notes. These products, originally expected for Q4 2024, will provide institutional investors and accredited affluent customers new Bitcoin and Ethereum investing possibilities.

In the first five months of 2024, the cryptocurrency market grew about 50%, according to DBS. Active trading customers rose 36% and assets under custody rose 80%, while DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) digital asset trading virtually tripled compared to 2023.

DBS will extend its digital asset services—where customers exchange security tokens and cryptocurrencies—under DDEx with its new offerings. OTC options trading and structured notes will allow users to diversify their digital asset holdings and use sophisticated investing techniques.

Current crypto market cap: $2 trillion. TradingView chart
DBS Group Head of Trading and Structuring for Global Financial Markets Jacky Tai said these financial products are meant to fulfill the increased demand from professional investors who are adding digital assets to their portfolios.

Structured products will enable clients obtain the underlying cryptocurrency or cash dividends based on market circumstances.

Regulations and Enforcement

DBS Bank innovates in digital assets despite increased worldwide regulatory scrutiny of the crypto industry in recent weeks. Recently, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has increased crypto company enforcement after statistics showed these actions reached a record high in 2023.

Critics say the SEC "regulates by enforcement," rather than providing clear guidelines. As companies navigate a closely scrutinized regulatory framework, the crypto community is hesitant and dissatisfied.

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