Independent Reserve Expands Institutional Offerings Across APAC

Independent Reserve (IR), Singapore's first cryptocurrency exchange licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has announced plans to expand its institutional and corporate offerings across the Asia-Pacific region. The new products, set to launch in the second half of 2026, will be available to customers in Singapore, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Preliminary plans include payment capabilities tailored for corporate clients, as well as yield-generating products, subject to regulatory approval. The move builds on IR's existing regulated infrastructure, aiming to support real-world use cases and deeper institutional participation in digital assets across APAC.

The expansion follows IG Group's acquisition of a majority stake in Independent Reserve, which closed in February 2026 and was approved by MAS. According to the exchange, this partnership has accelerated product development focused on customer and institutional capabilities in the region.

"We're seeing stronger demand from corporates and institutions for infrastructure that is regulated, scalable and built for long-term participation," said Lasanka Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Reserve Singapore. "With Singapore as our base, we're in a strong position to support more customers across multiple APAC markets."

Matt Macklin, Managing Director for APAC and Middle East at IG Group, described Independent Reserve as "an important strategic move" that brings a 13-year track record and regulated foundation. He added that Singapore is a core market for IG, with Independent Reserve playing a central role in its digital assets strategy and serving as a springboard for regional growth.

Community and Sponsorship Efforts

Independent Reserve also highlighted its ongoing community initiatives under the "Better Together" programme. The exchange has extended its multi-year sponsorship of Singapore professional golfer Shannon Tan, a three-time Ladies European Tour winner and the 2025 Order of Merit champion. It also continues to support Extra•Ordinary People, a non-profit for individuals with special needs, and has made a donation to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's patient assistance fund.

Looking ahead, Independent Reserve said it will continue investing in local talent and product development in Singapore while leveraging IG Group's global scale and institutional expertise. The exchange affirmed its commitment to operating responsibly and contributing to the digital asset ecosystem as it scales across APAC.