Standard Chartered has launched spot trading services for Bitcoin and Ether, positioning itself as the first global systemically important bank to offer cryptocurrency trading for institutional digital assets clients including corporates, investors and asset managers. Another systemically important bank, Goldman Sachs, offers crypto derivatives, but we don’t believe it provides spot trading.
London-headquartered StanChart announced the service will operate through its UK branch, with plans to introduce non-deliverable forwards trading in the near future. The offering integrates with Standard Chartered’s existing foreign exchange platforms, allowing institutional clients to trade cryptocurrencies through familiar interfaces while settling to their preferred custodian.
As an FCA registered cryptoasset service provider, the bank leverages its regulated framework to address barriers that institutional clients typically face when entering the cryptocurrency market. The trading service builds upon Standard Chartered’s existing digital asset custody operations, which already spans multiple jurisdictions including Luxembourg.
“Digital assets are a foundational element of the evolution in financial services,” said Bill Winters, Group CEO of Standard Chartered. “They’re integral to enabling new pathways for innovation, greater inclusion and growth across the industry.”
The bank has established significant infrastructure in the digital assets space beyond trading and custody. Standard Chartered provides banking services to numerous cryptocurrency firms and stablecoin issuers, including partnerships with Paxos, FalconX, and StraitsX.
Through its subsidiary SC Ventures, the bank has also founded several independent cryptocurrency-focused companies, including Zodia Custody, Zodia Markets, and tokenized fund platform Libeara. Additionally, Standard Chartered maintains investments in institutional platforms, including Europe’s SWIAT for tokenized assets and Singapore-based Partior for cross-border payments.
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