• bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
  • ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
  • tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
  • bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
  • solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
  • xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
  • usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
  • staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
  • cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
  • avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
  • bitcoinBitcoin (BTC) $ 42,977.00 0.18%
    ethereumEthereum (ETH) $ 2,365.53 1.12%
    tetherTether (USDT) $ 1.00 0.2%
    bnbBNB (BNB) $ 302.66 0.19%
    solanaSolana (SOL) $ 95.44 1.28%
    xrpXRP (XRP) $ 0.501444 0.1%
    usd-coinUSDC (USDC) $ 0.996294 0.34%
    staked-etherLido Staked Ether (STETH) $ 2,367.26 1.4%
    cardanoCardano (ADA) $ 0.481226 2.68%
    avalanche-2Avalanche (AVAX) $ 34.37 1.19%
image-alt-1BTC Dominance: 58.93%
image-alt-2 ETH Dominance: 12.89%
image-alt-3 BTC/ETH Ratio: 26.62%
image-alt-4 Total Market Cap 24h: $2.51T
image-alt-5Volume 24h: $144.96B
image-alt-6 ETH Gas Price: 5.1 Gwei
 

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Standard Chartered launches crypto trading

Standard Chartered launches crypto trading for institutions with Bitcoin and Ether spot access

ICN

Standard Chartered launches crypto trading services as it officially enables institutional access to Bitcoin and Ether.

The global banking giant is now offering spot trading through its UK branch, signaling a significant shift in how traditional finance views digital assets. This move bridges the gap between crypto markets and the conservative banking sector, especially for corporate clients.

This marks the first time a major multinational bank has rolled out such a direct crypto service at scale. Institutions and corporations can now trade Bitcoin and Ether through a platform they already use for foreign exchange. The integration into familiar systems removes barriers and reduces learning curves, making crypto more accessible to established market players.

Institutional crypto moves from concept to reality

Standard Chartered’s latest initiative comes with more than just buying and selling. Clients can also choose where to store their digital assets. The bank supports multiple crypto custodians, including its own regulated solutions. That flexibility ensures greater control and security for investors, something critical for large firms dealing with sensitive portfolios.

The bank doesn’t stop at spot trading. It’s preparing to offer crypto non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), further expanding its range of digital financial tools. This aligns with the growing institutional demand for structured exposure to crypto without the complexities of direct ownership.

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Standard Chartered launches crypto trading with innovation in mind

According to CEO Bill Winters, digital assets are a key driver in modern finance. He believes they open pathways for inclusion, innovation, and overall industry growth. This launch represents a strategic move in positioning the bank for the future of financial services. It also shows confidence in crypto’s staying power, especially in the institutional space.

Standard Chartered has previously signaled its interest in crypto. Last year, it introduced crypto custody services in the UAE. With this new move, it’s proving that those plans weren’t experimental—they’re foundational. More importantly, it reinforces the idea that banks and blockchain are no longer mutually exclusive.

A traditional bank embracing the future of finance

This development is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a transformation in financial infrastructure. By embedding crypto directly into its systems, Standard Chartered legitimizes the asset class in a space once dominated by caution. For institutions that were previously hesitant, this may be the push needed to finally enter the market.

Standard Chartered launches crypto trading at a time when institutional interest in digital assets is booming. The move sets a precedent for other legacy banks to follow. As regulation continues to evolve, so will the competition to offer seamless crypto services to large clients.

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Why is Standard Chartered’s crypto trading service significant?

Standard Chartered’s move to launch crypto trading is significant because it marks a major shift in traditional banking. By allowing institutional clients to trade Bitcoin and Ether directly, the bank is validating digital assets as legitimate investment vehicles. The integration into their standard foreign exchange platforms makes it easier for corporations to access these markets. This shows a new level of maturity in crypto, where global banks aren’t just experimenting but actively supporting the infrastructure for digital finance.

How does this affect institutional adoption of crypto?

It lowers the entry barrier. Many institutions have hesitated to trade crypto due to unclear regulations, unfamiliar platforms, or lack of trust. Standard Chartered, being a well-established bank, brings credibility and a trusted interface. Clients can now use familiar systems to engage with digital assets. Plus, the ability to choose between multiple custodians ensures flexibility and control, making crypto a more attractive option for institutions.

What are crypto non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) and why is the bank offering them?

Crypto NDFs are derivatives contracts that allow two parties to speculate on the price of a crypto asset without actually holding it. These are useful for institutions that want exposure to crypto markets but can’t hold digital assets due to regulations or risk policies. By offering NDFs, Standard Chartered provides structured ways to participate in crypto’s upside while managing downside risks, further legitimizing crypto in institutional finance.

Is Standard Chartered offering custody services as well?

Yes, it is. The bank not only offers trading but also custody options. Clients can choose their preferred third-party provider or use Standard Chartered’s proprietary custody service. This ensures secure storage of crypto assets—a critical concern for institutions. These services were already introduced in the UAE and are now part of a broader rollout. This dual offering of trading and custody makes Standard Chartered a one-stop shop for institutional crypto needs.

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