Standard Chartered Enters Crypto Trading With BTC and ETH for Institutions

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.”

Integrated Trading with Flexible Custody

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.

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.

Derivatives and Future Plans

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.