Singapore, 17 March 2026 — Independent Reserve (IR), Singapore’s first MAS-licensed cryptocurrency exchange for all investors, is entering its next phase of regional expansion with new product offerings designed to better serve corporate, accredited and institutional customers across APAC.
Slated to launch in the second half of 2026, IR’s new products will be available to customers across Singapore, Australia and the UAE. Preliminary plans include the introduction of payment capabilities for corporate customers, as well as yield products, subject to regulatory approval. These new offerings build on IR’s existing regulated infrastructure, supporting real-world use cases and institutional participation in digital assets across APAC.
IR has advanced this next phase of product development since IG Group’s acquisition of a majority stake in February 2026. This reflects the immediate focus both firms have placed on strengthening customer and institutional capabilities across the region.
We’re seeing stronger demand from corporates and institutions for infrastructure that is regulated, scalable and built for long-term participation. 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. With Singapore as our base, we’re in a strong position to support more customers across multiple APAC markets.
– Lasanka Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Reserve Singapore
Rooted in Singapore, Built for the Region
Singapore continues to play a central role in Independent Reserve’s strategy. The exchange will continue to invest in local capabilities, talent and product development, while leveraging its institutional-grade infrastructure to support long-term participation in digital asset markets and sustained regional growth.
As the parent company, IG Group brings global scale, institutional expertise and platform capabilities that will support the next phase of Independent Reserve’s growth. The acquisition transaction, approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, aligns with IR’s continued strategy to anchor its APAC growth and regulated operations here.
This marks a major milestone for Independent Reserve. The IG acquisition is a clear vote of confidence in how we’ve built the business and reinforces the trust we’ve earned as a crypto exchange in this market. Our mission has never changed. From day one, it has been about enabling people to buy Bitcoin and other crypto safely and securely by doing things the right way. With IG’s support, we enter our next phase with an even stronger focus on customer excellence, compliance excellence and company excellence as we continue building in Singapore to enable more people to participate in this alternative asset class.
– Lasanka Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Reserve Singapore
Independent Reserve is an important strategic move for IG. It brings a strong 13-year track record, a regulated foundation, and a reputation built on trust and strong governance. Singapore is a core market for IG, with Independent Reserve playing a central role in our digital assets strategy and serving as a springboard for regional growth.
– Matt Macklin, Managing Director, APAC and ME at IG Group.
On a day-to-day basis, IR will continue to operate under its existing leadership, focusing on its disciplined, compliance-led approach to serving its customers in Singapore and across the region.
“Better Together”: Championing local communities to scale new horizons
Under its “Better Together” community engagement programme, Independent Reserve continues to support local communities through long-standing partnerships that prioritise consistency, shared values and long-term impact.
We focus on building for the long term, not just in our business but in the communities around us. When we come together with purpose and care, even small actions can make a real difference and leave a positive mark beyond what we set out to do.
– Lasanka Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Independent Reserve Singapore
As part of this commitment, Independent Reserve has extended its multi-year partnership with Singapore professional golfer Shannon Tan for 2026. Shannon is currently a three-time LET winner and the 2025 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner. The continued partnership reflects the company’s belief in backing athletes over the long term, recognising that sustained excellence is built through consistency, discipline and long-term performance.
I’m proud to continue my partnership with Independent Reserve and to represent Singapore on the global stage. Their long-term support and friendship have given me the assurance and confidence to stay focused on my performance and growth, season after season, as I compete at the highest level.
Shannon Tan, 2025 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner & 3-time LET Winner
For the third consecutive year, IR continues its support for Extra•Ordinary People, a non-profit charity that helps children and individuals with special needs lead more independent lives. IR supports the organisation through financial contributions and employee volunteer time. The partnership also allows Extra•Ordinary People to tap into IR’s broader network to build new relationships and opportunities.
Independent Reserve’s ongoing support since 2024 has allowed us to plan with certainty and build programmes and a strong support system for our beneficiaries. For organisations supporting individuals with special needs, consistency matters. Long-term partnerships enable us to invest in capability, strengthen support systems and create impactful outcomes.
– Ivan Chin, Chief Executive Officer of Extra•Ordinary People.
In addition, IR has also made a monetary donation to Tan Tock Seng Hospital under the Care To Give: Support TTSH Patients In Need initiative. The fund supports patients with limited savings and family support who face essential out-of-pocket medical expenses such as wheelchairs, breathing equipment and dialysis treatment, which can otherwise affect their recovery and quality of life.
Looking ahead, Independent Reserve will continue to focus on building a trusted and regulated digital asset platform anchored in Singapore as it scales across APAC, while expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of customers across the region.
As the company enters its next phase of growth, it remains committed to operating responsibly, investing for the long term and contributing meaningfully to both the digital asset ecosystem and the communities it serves.
Media Contact
Email: media@independentreserve.com
About Independent Reserve
Founded in 2013, Independent Reserve is one of the oldest and trusted cryptocurrency exchanges in the APAC region. We offer a secure, user-friendly platform for trading digital assets, catering to both individual and institutional investors.
As the first exchange licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Independent Reserve upholds the highest standards of governance, compliance, and security. Our competitive fees, advanced trading tools, and educational resources enable users to confidently navigate the world of cryptocurrencies.
Beyond our core business, Independent Reserve is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves, leading by example as a force for good, promoting equal opportunities and fostering a society where everyone can thrive—particularly by helping individuals with special needs lead independent lives and supporting athletes in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.
About IG Group
IG Group (LSEG:IGG) provides online trading platforms and educational resources to empower ambitious clients around the globe. Headquartered in the UK, IG Group is a FTSE 250 company that offers clients access to c.19,000 financial markets worldwide.
