- The initiative is part of a broader push by the bank to integrate digital assets into its core financial infrastructure.
- According to the bank, the spot trading capability is fully embedded within its existing trading infrastructure.
- In September 2024, the bank introduced a regulated crypto custody service in the United Arab Emirates.
Standard Chartered has launched a new spot cryptocurrency trading service for institutional and corporate clients, expanding its digital assets footprint as traditional financial institutions deepen their engagement with crypto markets.
The UK-based multinational bank on Tuesday announced that the new service supports spot trading in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) through its London-based branch.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the bank to integrate digital assets into its core financial infrastructure.
Institutional-grade access via FX platforms
According to the bank, the spot trading capability is fully embedded within its existing trading infrastructure, allowing institutional investors to trade crypto assets through foreign exchange (FX) interfaces they already use.
Clients can settle trades with a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered’s proprietary custody solution.
The integration is aimed at reducing onboarding friction for traditional finance participants by mirroring the experience of established FX markets.
“Digital assets are a foundational element of the evolution in financial services, ” said Bill Winters, Standard Chartered Group Chief Executive, in the statement.
“They’re integral to enabling new pathways for innovation, greater inclusion and growth across the industry.”
“As client demand accelerates further, we want to offer clients a route to transact, trade, and manage digital asset risk safely and efficiently within regulatory requirements,” the CEO further added.
Crypto custody and broader digital asset strategy
The launch builds on Standard Chartered’s prior moves in digital assets.
In September 2024, the bank introduced a regulated crypto custody service in the United Arab Emirates, supporting both Bitcoin and Ether custody.
The service is designed to cater to institutions and complies with regional regulatory frameworks.
The bank also has exposure to the sector through strategic investments in Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, both of which offer crypto infrastructure services targeted at institutional clients.
Additionally, Standard Chartered backs Libeara, a platform for tokenisation of real-world financial assets.
Through its corporate and investment banking division, Standard Chartered now offers an integrated suite of digital asset services, covering trading, custody, and tokenisation, aligning with broader industry trends where banks seek to offer end-to-end crypto infrastructure to clients.
