Exchanges & Trading
Share
Standard Chartered has officially launched spot trading services for Bitcoin and Ether, making it one of the first major global banks to offer direct access to digital assets for institutional and corporate clients.
The new service, announced Tuesday, will initially operate through the bank’s UK subsidiary, with trading available during Asian and European business hours. The bank is also exploring 24/5 access based on client demand.
“This move reflects our belief that digital assets are a foundational element in the future of financial services,” said Bill Winters, group CEO of Standard Chartered. “They play a key role in fostering innovation, inclusion, and growth across the industry.”
The offering is fully integrated into Standard Chartered’s existing platforms, allowing clients to trade digital assets through interfaces they already use for foreign exchange and other traditional markets.
Disclaimer of Warranty
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. We make no warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Read full disclaimer
Clients will have the flexibility to choose how and where to store their digital assets. In addition to Standard Chartered’s own custody services, options include third-party providers like Zodia Custody, a digital asset custodian backed by the bank.
This launch builds on Standard Chartered’s expanding digital asset footprint. Last year, the bank rolled out crypto custody services in the UAE, followed by regulatory approval for similar services in Luxembourg earlier this year.
Looking ahead, Standard Chartered plans to expand its digital asset offerings with the introduction of non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) — a type of derivatives contract commonly used in foreign exchange markets.
However, the bank currently has no plans to open its trading services to retail clients. “At this stage, we are only focusing on our corporate and investment banking clients,” a spokesperson told reporters.
The move positions Standard Chartered among a growing number of traditional financial institutions deepening their involvement in the crypto space, as regulatory clarity and institutional demand continue to grow.




Editor's Picks

UAE Stablecoins: Why They Are Built to Travel, Not Stay Local
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 28, 2026
8 min

The Central Bank of the UAE Clearing the Noise Around Article 62
Walid Abou Zaki
Feb 25, 2026
5 min

Europe’s Crypto Purge: Did Lithuania Just Kick Out Innovation — and is the UAE the Beneficiary?
Salma Naueihed
Feb 18, 2026
7 min
Read More Articles
In the Same Space

Bitcoin and Ethereum Struggle as Oil Spike and ETF Flows Rattle Crypto Markets
News Desk
Mar 9, 2026
4 min

Bitcoin Falls Toward 65,000 Dollars Amid Middle East Tension
News Desk
Mar 2, 2026
3 min

Earn Crypto Rewards Directly in Telegram: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT Now Supported
News Desk
Feb 27, 2026
2 min

Bitcoin Retreats as Oil Surges Above $100 After Tanker Attacks
News Desk
Mar 12, 2026
4 min