Optiver is expanding its derivatives empire in Japan, where it aims to boost a single-stock options market that has, so far, been virtually nonexistent.

The speed trader, which has been dealing index contracts in the nation since 2008, in September started providing liquidity on options of 12 Japanese companies and exchange-traded funds. The Dutch firm aims to grow that number to 30 by June, according to its head of international sales in Japan.

"A liquid single-stock options market offers investors more diverse trading products and sophisticated financial tools to manage risk, hedge positions and gain exposure to Japan’s corporate landscape,” Optiver’s Nippei Yasuoka said in a recent interview. "Japan’s single-stock options market is well-positioned to break the historical challenges of poor liquidity and trading volume.”