Independent Reserve plans APAC crypto push from 2026

Independent Reserve is preparing a new set of products for corporate, accredited and institutional crypto clients in the Asia-Pacific region, with launches planned for the second half of 2026 across Singapore, Australia and the UAE.

Its preliminary roadmap includes payment features for corporate customers and proposed yield products, with any yield offering subject to regulatory approval. The planned releases mark the next phase of the company's regional expansion, with a greater emphasis on serving firms and professional investors.

Independent Reserve holds a licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore and has positioned it, along with its compliance framework, as a base for broader activity across multiple markets. The new product plans follow IG Group's acquisition of a majority stake in February 2026.

Institutional push

Crypto exchanges across Asia-Pacific have increasingly targeted institutions as the sector matures and regulators apply tighter oversight. Large market participants tend to demand clearer governance, more detailed controls and stronger operational resilience than retail customers. Independent Reserve's latest product plans reflect that shift.

In its outline of forthcoming services, the exchange highlighted corporate payments as an early priority. It did not specify which rails or settlement methods it would use, whether the service would integrate with traditional banking systems, or which assets and transaction limits would be supported.

Yield products are also under consideration, but would depend on regulatory approval. Yield has become a contested area in regulated crypto markets, with supervisors in several jurisdictions scrutinising how it is generated and marketed, counterparty exposure, and the treatment of client assets.

The company described the product plans as an extension of its platform development since IG Group became a major shareholder. IG Group is best known for online trading and derivatives and operates across multiple jurisdictions. Independent Reserve said it would draw on the group's experience and infrastructure as it expands.

Lasanka Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Reserve Singapore, said demand from professional customers was rising. "We're seeing stronger demand from corporates and institutions for infrastructure that is regulated, scalable and built for long-term participation," he said.

He linked the planned releases to the exchange's approach to governance and compliance. "These new products are an extension of how we've been evolving our platform as we continue to build on the governance and compliance discipline we're known for," Perera said.

Perera also outlined the company's regional ambitions from Singapore. "With Singapore as our base, we're in a strong position to support more customers across multiple APAC markets," he said.

Geographic scope

The new products are expected to be available in Singapore, Australia and the UAE. Independent Reserve did not say whether all services would launch at the same time across the three markets, or whether local variations would apply.

Singapore remains central to the exchange's growth plans. Independent Reserve said it would continue investing in local staff and product development while using Singapore as a base for regulated digital asset operations across the region.

The UAE has emerged as a key market for crypto firms seeking a regulated footprint in the Middle East, with licensing regimes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai drawing international exchanges and service providers. Australia has also attracted sustained interest from crypto platforms, although the country continues to debate the shape of future regulation for digital asset intermediaries.

Independent Reserve did not disclose commercial targets for the new product suite, such as expected volumes or revenue contribution. It also did not provide details on pricing, onboarding for institutional clients, or whether it plans to offer segregated accounts, prime brokerage-style services, or additional custody arrangements beyond its existing services.

Community programme

Alongside its product and expansion plans, Independent Reserve highlighted community activities in Singapore under its "Better Together" programme, including an ongoing partnership with Singapore professional golfer Shannon Tan.

The exchange also said it supports Extra•Ordinary People, a charity focused on individuals with special needs, and has contributed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Care To Give initiative. It framed the programme as part of a wider effort to build trust as it expands its regulated digital asset business in the region.

Independent Reserve said the next phase of product development will roll out in the second half of 2026 across Singapore, Australia and the UAE.