Eurex is expanding its equity derivatives business into Japan with the launch of Single-Stock Futures and Single-Stock Dividend Futures on leading Japanese companies, strengthening the exchange’s presence in the Asia-Pacific derivatives market.
The new contracts are scheduled to become available from 2 November 2026, initially covering 10 constituents of the Nikkei 225. Eurex plans to broaden the offering during 2027, with the longer-term objective of covering most companies represented in the Japanese benchmark index.
The launch marks Eurex’s first expansion of its equity derivatives offering into the Asia-Pacific region. The exchange said the move responds to growing international demand for centrally cleared instruments that provide exposure to individual Japanese equities.
Under the new offering, Single-Stock Futures will be available in both Japanese yen and U.S. dollars, giving international investors additional flexibility when managing their exposure. Single-Stock Dividend Futures, which allow market participants to trade expectations for future dividend payments, will be denominated in yen.
A key feature of the initiative is central clearing. Eurex said it will become the first market infrastructure to offer centrally cleared futures on individual Japanese stocks executed through its regulated market, providing institutional investors with an exchange-traded alternative to certain bilateral over-the-counter equity derivatives.
The expansion could be particularly relevant for global asset managers, hedge funds and other institutional participants seeking to manage Japanese equity exposure, hedge portfolios or implement strategies linked to individual stocks and expected dividend payments. Central clearing can also help standardize transactions and reduce counterparty exposure compared with bilateral structures.
Japan represents one of the world’s largest equity markets and has attracted increased international investor attention in recent years. By extending its derivatives portfolio to Japanese stocks, Eurex is broadening access to the market while connecting Asian equity exposure with its established European clearing and trading infrastructure.
The launch forms part of Eurex’s wider strategy to expand its international equity derivatives franchise and provide investors with additional tools for managing global portfolios. Further additions to the Japanese product range are expected during 2027 as the exchange builds out the offering beyond its initial group of Nikkei 225 constituents.
