SingaporeExchange Ltd. asked to halt the trading of its shares before themarket opened July 18, after the StraitsTimes reported the same day that it could spin off its regulatory functionsinto a separate unit.

SGX intends to release a full announcement in response tothe report and plans to resume trading after the announcement is posted.

The bourse acts as both a profit-making exchange and amarket regulator in the absence of a dedicated securities watchdog inSingapore, the publication noted. It previously faced criticism due to conflictsthat may arise from its dual role.

The report follows a July 14 , which eventuallyclosed the market forthe rest of the day.