The office has been established to more closely engage with its Asian participants, according to managing director of LME Asia Liz Milan. "A majority of our members have a presence in Singapore and other locations throughout the region. It is crucial we are there to support them," she says.

Currently, 26 of the exchange's category 1 and 2 members have Singapore offices.

David Wilson, senior metals analyst at Société Générale, says the new office is responding to growing demand for metals trading