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.