HashKey Holdings has entered into a non-legally binding framework agreement for the possible acquisition of all equity interests in Asia Pacific Exchange, a Singapore-based derivatives exchange. The agreement was signed through HashKey’s wholly owned subsidiary, HKDAG Singapore.
APEX operates regulated financial market infrastructure and holds an Approved Exchange license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Its affiliate, Asia Pacific Clear, holds an Approved Clearing House license, allowing the group to provide integrated trading, issuance, clearing and settlement capabilities.
Only three market participants in Singapore currently hold both approvals, making the licenses strategically important for firms seeking to operate regulated exchange and clearing infrastructure. HashKey believes the acquisition could strengthen its ability to serve institutions through a broader platform spanning trading, custody, payments, clearing and settlement.
The transaction would also expand HashKey’s regulated presence in Singapore, one of Asia’s major financial and fintech centers. HashKey provides digital asset trading facilitation, on-chain services, technology and asset management through licensed platforms across several markets.
The framework agreement is preliminary and does not obligate the parties to complete the transaction. HashKey must finish due diligence, negotiate and execute definitive documents, and obtain approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore before an acquisition can proceed.
No definitive agreement has been signed, and the required regulatory approval has not been received. The proposed acquisition may therefore be changed, delayed or abandoned. If definitive documents are executed, HashKey expects the deal to constitute a notifiable transaction under applicable Hong Kong listing rules.
