The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is undergoing a transformation in its financial markets—and OTC derivatives are at the heart of it. Parameta Solutions’ latest OTC market report takes a deep dive into the APAC region, and the trends that are shaping the market.
US Firms Are Expanding East
The report reveals that 74% of US-based respondents are expanding their OTC operations in Asia. With APAC’s growing institutional and retail investor base, multinational corporations are seeking customised financial solutions—and US firms are well-positioned to deliver.
Liquidity and Volatility: A Mixed Picture
Liquidity in APAC has grown significantly, especially in financial hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. However, emerging markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam still face challenges due to smaller market sizes and limited infrastructure.
Interestingly, APAC respondents expressed less concern about volatility than their global peers. While volatility can be disruptive, it also creates opportunities for execution and risk management.
Regulation Is Evolving—But Gaps Remain
Regulatory reform is underway across APAC. Jurisdictions like Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore have implemented trade reporting requirements to improve transparency. Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA) rewrite is streamlining compliance and aligning with global standards.
Still, 85% of respondents say they would welcome further reform to make trading easier in Asia. The need for harmonised rules, better surveillance, and improved liquidity management remains a priority.
Technology and Talent Are Driving Growth
Technology—especially AI—is playing a pivotal role in transforming the OTC derivatives market. 91% of APAC respondents are using AI models in trading, and confidence in the data supporting these models is high.
Talent is also on the rise, with 52% of respondents saying there is sufficient human resource in the region. However, upskilling junior talent remains essential to meet the demands of complex OTC environments.
Disclaimer
© 2025 ICAP Information Services Limited (“IISL”). This communication is provided by ICAP Information Services Limited or a member of its group (“Parameta”) and all information contained in or attached hereto (the “Information”) is for information purposes only and is confidential. Access to the Information by anyone other than the intended recipient is unauthorised without Parameta’s prior written approval. The Information may not be not used or disclosed for any purpose without Parameta’s prior written approval, including without limitation, storing, copying, distributing, licensing, selling or displaying the Information, using the Information in an application or to create derived data of any kind, co-mingling the Information with any other data or using the data for any unlawful purpose of for any purpose that would cause it to become a benchmark under any law, regulation or guidance. The Information is not, and should not be construed as, a live price, an offer, bid, recommendation or solicitation in relation to any financial instrument or investment or to participate in any particular trading strategy or constituting financial or investment advice or a financial promotion. The Information does not constitute a public offer under any applicable legislation or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The Information is not to be relied upon for any purpose whatsoever and is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressly or by implication, including without limitation as to completeness, timeliness, accuracy, continuity, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. All representations and warranties are expressly disclaimed, to the fullest extent possible under applicable law. In no circumstances will Parameta be liable for any indirect or direct loss, or consequential loss or damages including without limitation, loss of business or profits arising from the use of, any inability to use, or any inaccuracy in the Information. Parameta may suspend, withdraw or modify or change the terms of the provision of the Information at any time in its sole discretion, without notice. All rights, including without limitation intellectual property rights, in and to the Information are, and shall remain, the property of IISL or its licensors. Use of, access to or delivery of Parameta’s products and/or services requires a prior written licence from Parameta or its relevant affiliates. The terms of this disclaimer are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
