In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, digital assets are becoming an increasingly vital component of modern investment portfolios. For investors seeking a secure, regulated, and seamless gateway to cryptocurrency trading, DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) offers a trusted platform backed by one of Asia’s most reputable financial institutions — DBS Bank. Integrated within the digibank ecosystem, DDEx enables eligible clients to trade major cryptocurrencies with confidence, transparency, and institutional-grade security.
Whether you're exploring digital assets for diversification or aiming to capitalize on emerging blockchain trends, understanding how to access and navigate this platform is essential.
What Is DBS Digital Exchange?
The DBS Digital Exchange (DDEx) is a regulated digital asset trading platform that supports both security tokens and cryptocurrencies. As part of DBS Bank’s broader digital transformation strategy, DDEx combines decades of capital markets expertise with cutting-edge blockchain technology to deliver a secure and compliant trading environment.
Unlike decentralized or retail-focused exchanges, DDEx operates under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) standards and investor protection protocols. This makes it an ideal choice for accredited investors who prioritize safety without compromising on innovation.
👉 Discover how seamless crypto access can transform your investment strategy.
Who Can Trade Cryptocurrencies on DDEx?
To trade cryptocurrencies on DDEx, you must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Be classified as an Accredited Investor under Singapore’s Securities and Futures Act.
- Complete the required onboarding application process through your Relationship Manager.
This ensures that only qualified individuals with the necessary financial literacy and risk tolerance gain access to digital asset trading. If you're unsure about your eligibility, contacting your Relationship Manager is the best first step.
Available Cryptocurrencies for Trading
DBS Digital Exchange currently lists seven major cryptocurrencies, offering exposure to both established and high-potential digital assets:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Polkadot (DOT)
- USD Coin (USDC)
These selections represent a balanced mix of market leaders and next-generation blockchain platforms. The inclusion of USDC, a fiat-backed stablecoin, also provides a low-volatility option for traders looking to hedge or maintain purchasing power during market fluctuations.
How Are Trades Executed?
All cryptocurrency trades are executed directly on the DBS Digital Exchange. This means your orders are processed within a secure, bank-operated environment rather than being routed to third-party exchanges. As a result, you benefit from enhanced transparency, tighter control over data privacy, and reduced counterparty risk.
Understanding Trading Hours and Sessions
Trading on DDEx follows a structured daily cycle designed to ensure orderly price discovery and market stability.
Daily Trading Schedule (SGT)
- Closed Period: 07:00 – 08:00
The exchange is closed for maintenance. No trades can be executed. - Auction Phase: 08:00 – 08:15
Clients may submit, modify, or cancel limit orders. However, no matching occurs during this phase. Orders remain pending until the next session. - Trading Session: 08:15 – 07:00 (next day)
Continuous trading takes place. All orders are matched in real time based on price and time priority.
Note: The trade date rolls over after midnight SGT. Any trade placed post-midnight will reflect the following calendar day as the trade date.
Pending orders placed during closed or auction phases will transition to “Queuing,” “Partially Filled,” or “Filled” once the Trading Session resumes.
Minimum Trade Requirements
Each cryptocurrency transaction must meet a minimum notional value of USD 500. This threshold aligns with DDEx’s focus on institutional and high-net-worth investors, helping minimize market noise and ensure meaningful participation.
Supported Order Types
DDEx supports two types of limit orders:
- Day Limit Orders: Valid until 07:00 SGT of the current trading session.
- Good-till-Date (GTD) Limit Orders: Remain active for up to 30 days from placement.
This flexibility allows traders to implement both short-term and longer-duration strategies without needing constant monitoring.
Can I Trade in SGD?
No. All cryptocurrency trades must be conducted in USD. Even if your account holds SGD, you’ll need sufficient USD funds at the time of trade execution due to T+0 settlement requirements. This ensures immediate settlement and reduces liquidity risks.
👉 Learn how multi-currency trading can expand your investment opportunities.
Managing Your Holdings
Will My Crypto Appear in My Statement?
Yes. Your cryptocurrency holdings are visible in two places:
- Within digibank, under the “Alternatives” section.
- On your official account statement, listed under “FX.”
This integration ensures full transparency and simplifies portfolio tracking alongside traditional assets.
Can I Transfer Cryptocurrencies In or Out?
No. DBS Treasures does not support inbound or outbound cryptocurrency transfers. All holdings remain custodied within the DDEx platform. You cannot withdraw crypto to external wallets or deposit from third-party exchanges.
This policy enhances security and compliance but limits interoperability with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications or other blockchain ecosystems.
Collateralization and US Person Restrictions
Can I Pledge Crypto as Collateral?
Currently, cryptocurrencies cannot be pledged as collateral for loans or margin financing within the DBS ecosystem.
Are US Persons Allowed to Trade?
No. Individuals classified as US Persons (including US citizens, green card holders, or entities organized under US law) are prohibited from trading cryptocurrencies on DDEx.
However, if a client purchases crypto before becoming a US Person, they may continue holding the assets — though no further trading is permitted.
Opening a Wealth Management Account
To begin trading on DDEx, you must have a Wealth Management Account with DBS. You can apply:
- Through the digibank app
- By contacting your Relationship Manager
This account unlocks access to premium investment products, including digital assets, private equity, and structured notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I check live crypto prices on DDEx?
A: Visit the Digital Payment Token Exchange webpage for real-time pricing. Note that prices may differ slightly from other global exchanges due to DDEx’s unique order-matching mechanism.
Q: Does DDEx perform regular maintenance?
A: Yes. Scheduled maintenance occurs daily between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM SGT. During this window — and any unscheduled downtime — trading is suspended. Clients receive notifications via digibank.
Q: What happens to my pending orders during system downtime?
A: Orders placed during closed or auction phases remain in “Pending” status and automatically enter the queue when the Trading Session resumes.
Q: Is my crypto insured or protected?
A: While DBS employs robust custodial safeguards, including cold storage solutions, specific insurance coverage details are not publicly disclosed. Contact your Relationship Manager for more information.
Q: Are there plans to list more cryptocurrencies?
A: DBS periodically reviews potential additions based on market demand, regulatory compliance, and technological feasibility. Stay updated through official communications.
Q: Can I automate trades or use APIs?
A: Currently, DDEx does not offer API access or algorithmic trading capabilities. All trades must be placed manually via the digibank interface.
👉 Start your journey into secure, regulated crypto trading today.