Standard Chartered Bank pioneers institutional digital asset trading, ushering in a new era for mainstream adoption

Standard Chartered has announced the launch of a fully integrated digital assets trading service for its institutional clients, marking a significant milestone as the first global systemically important bank (G-SIB) to offer deliverable spot cryptoasset trading for entities including corporates, investors, and asset managers. This move builds on the bank’s successful rollout of its digital assets custody service, reinforcing its commitment to providing safe, trusted, and efficient solutions in the evolving digital finance landscape.

The new offering, available through Standard Chartered’s UK branch, initially includes spot trading for Bitcoin (XBT/USD) and Ether (XET/USD). The bank has also indicated plans to soon introduce Non-Deliverable Forwards (NDFs) trading, further expanding the range of hedging and investment opportunities for its institutional clientele.

A key advantage of this new service is its seamless integration with Standard Chartered’s existing platforms. This allows institutional clients to access and trade cryptoassets through familiar FX interfaces, streamlining operations and reducing the learning curve. Clients also benefit from flexibility in settlement, with the option to settle to their choice of custodian, including Standard Chartered’s secure digital assets custody solutions.

Operating as an FCA-registered cryptoasset service provider, Standard Chartered provides clients with the assurance of dealing with a regulated global bank. This framework offers robust balance sheet capabilities, institutional-grade risk controls, and a world-class trading platform, addressing many of the barriers institutions have faced when considering entry into the crypto space.

Commenting on the landmark launch, Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, stated, “Digital assets are a foundational element of the evolution in financial services. 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.”

Tony Hall, Global Head of Trading and XVA, Markets, at Standard Chartered, added, “We are applying our global expertise, infrastructure and risk management frameworks that our clients trust to the digital assets space. With growing interest in regulated digital assets solutions, we are well positioned to meet client needs while capturing the opportunities in this space.”

This comprehensive trading offering operates within Standard Chartered’s established regulated banking framework, uniquely positioning it to remove much of the complexity and perceived risk for institutional participants. The launch represents the latest expansion in Standard Chartered’s burgeoning suite of digital asset capabilities. Beyond custody and now trading through its Corporate and Investment Bank, the group also supports digital asset innovation through its ventures: Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, and its digital asset tokenisation services via Libeara.

Standard Chartered’s strategic foray into institutional digital asset trading underscores a growing recognition among established financial giants that digital assets are becoming an indispensable part of modern finance, demanding regulated, secure, and integrated solutions.