Affin Hwang partners Cboe to offer VIX Futures access in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 13): Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd (Affin Hwang) has partnered with US-based Cboe Global Markets Inc to provide access to VIX Futures listed on the Cboe Futures Exchange (CFE), expanding its foreign futures offering to Malaysian investors.

VIX Futures are standardised, cash-settled contracts that allow investors to hedge against expected market volatility.

Affin Hwang in a statement on Tuesday said the introduction marks the latest step in its expansion of its Foreign Futures proposition, which began in 2023 through collaborations with global exchanges, including ongoing investor engagement initiatives with CME Group.

With the addition of CFE to its exchange offering, the bank aims to broaden access beyond institutional and professional participation to include eligible retail clients and emerging active traders, supported by structured education and disciplined onboarding standards.

“In a market environment where directional index trading can shift quickly, Affin Hwang is spotlighting volatility as a differentiated and practical investor conversation, positioning VIX Futures access as a gateway to deeper engagement across its broader Foreign Futures suite,” it said.

Affin Hwang Investment Bank chief executive officer Hanif Ghulam Mohammed said the collaboration reflects the bank’s long-term strategy to broaden market access through global partnerships.

“Since 2023, we have deliberately expanded our Foreign Futures proposition through strategic collaborations with leading global market players.

“With Cboe and VIX Futures, we are extending that ambition by offering a volatility-linked, exchange-traded instrument that is increasingly relevant as investors navigate changing market conditions,” he said.

He added that the launch represents the next phase of the bank’s Foreign Futures growth, combining market access with education and structured onboarding to support more informed participation.

The initiative also aligns with AFFIN Group’s Axelerate 2028 (AX28) plan to strengthen innovation and enhance the end-to-end client experience.

Cboe Global Markets head of APAC derivatives sales Sharon Ang said the partnership introduces VIX Futures to Malaysia through an investment bank for the first time.

“For decades, Cboe’s VIX futures have served as a trusted tool for expressing market views and managing risk.

“Through our collaboration with Affin Hwang, we are supporting the continued development of Malaysia’s derivatives ecosystem while advancing investor education in the region,” she said.

Affin Hwang said it will continue market-facing engagement initiatives with Cboe to support adoption and maintain its presence in Malaysia’s evolving derivatives landscape.