Over recent years, a number of factors have combined to make Singapore the apparent natural choice for access to Asian markets. The comparative westernisation of its financial services industry was the first step, but the way that Singapore Exchange (SGX) has begun to market itself as an "Asian gateway," able to provide exposure to assets throughout the region, has also sparked interest.
Meanwhile, all four of the biggest western financial futures exchanges have now opened connectivity hubs in Singapore, while in the past two weeks SGX has launched Joint Asian Derivatives Exchange (JADE) in conjunction with Chicago Board of Trade (CBoT). While there has been considerable talk about the opportunities in Asian markets, particularly as a result of the soaring commodities demand - and gradual modernisation of markets - in India and China, many delegates at FOW's show were keen to stress the importance of Singapore itself as an access...