IG-Backed Independent Reserve Targets APAC Corporates With Payments, Yield Push

Independent Reserve is expanding its institutional and corporate product suite across the Asia-Pacific region, the company announced Monday.

New offerings including payment capabilities for corporate clients and yield products are slated to launch in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval, across Singapore, Australia, and the UAE.

The announcement comes roughly six weeks after London-listed trading firm IG Group completed its acquisition of a majority stake in Independent Reserve, effective 30 January 2026, following regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. IG Group first announced the deal in September 2025, valuing the acquisition at approximately AUD$178 million ($124.4 million).

The product expansion is the most visible sign yet of what the acquisition is meant to unlock. Independent Reserve CEO Lasanka Perera said demand from corporate and institutional clients has intensified for infrastructure that is "regulated, scalable and built for long-term participation," and that the new products build directly on its existing compliance and governance framework.

According to the exchange, Singapore remains central to its growth strategy. "The company will continue to invest in local capabilities, talent and product development, while using Singapore as a base to expand its regulated digital asset operations across the APAC region," Independent Reserve said in the announcement.

At the time of the deal, Independent Reserve had posted revenue growth at a 70% CAGR over the prior two years, with approximately 76% of revenue generated in Australia and 24% in Singapore, and EBITDA of A$9.9 million for the 12 months ending June 2025. The expansion into the UAE adds a third regulated jurisdiction to that revenue base.

For IG Group, the deal represented its first foray into direct spot cryptocurrency trading. The London-based firm previously offered crypto exposure only through contracts for difference, but did not operate a spot exchange prior to the Independent Reserve acquisition. The H2 2026 product launch timeline reflects a compliance-first integration strategy, requiring alignment of custody, execution, compliance controls, and risk management frameworks across three jurisdictions simultaneously.

Founded in 2013, Independent Reserve has built its reputation as a regulated platform serving both retail and institutional clients, with an emphasis on compliance, security, and market infrastructure. On a day-to-day basis, the exchange will continue to operate under its existing Singapore leadership and maintain its current compliance-led approach.

Related