Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Crypto Trading for Bitcoin and Ether

Standard Chartered has made a significant move into the cryptocurrency market by launching a U.S. dollar-paired spot trading service for bitcoin and ether, specifically designed for institutional clients. This initiative marks the bank's entry into the crypto trading arena, offering a regulated spot trading service for these two major cryptocurrencies through its UK branch. The service is aimed at institutional clients, including corporates and investors, providing them with direct access to the crypto market.

The bank has been preparing for this launch, and it is now offering non-deliverable forwards in addition to spot trading. This move positions Standard Chartered as the first major bank to provide such services, catering to the growing demand from institutional investors who are increasingly looking to diversify their portfolios with digital assets. The launch of this service is a strategic move by the bank to tap into the burgeoning crypto market, which has seen significant interest from institutional players in recent years.

The introduction of spot trading for bitcoin and ether is a testament to the bank's commitment to innovation and its recognition of the potential of cryptocurrencies. By offering a regulated and secure platform for institutional clients to trade these digital assets, Standard Chartered is not only expanding its service offerings but also positioning itself as a leader in the financial industry's adoption of cryptocurrencies. This move is likely to attract more institutional clients to the bank, as it provides them with a trusted and reliable platform to engage in crypto trading.

The launch of this service is also a response to the increasing demand from institutional investors for access to the crypto market. As more institutions look to incorporate digital assets into their investment strategies, the need for regulated and secure trading platforms has become paramount. Standard Chartered's entry into the crypto trading space is a significant development in this regard, as it provides institutional clients with a trusted and reliable platform to trade bitcoin and ether.

Institutional demand for regulated digital asset services appears to be rising fast. The bank’s spot trading desk allows institutions to trade BTC/USD and ETH/USD directly using familiar FX systems. This service is tightly integrated with Standard Chartered’s trading platforms, meaning clients can access it without new onboarding. They can also choose to settle trades with third-party custodians or with Standard Chartered’s custody solution. The new offering builds on the bank’s existing crypto infrastructure, which includes custody through Zodia Custody and digital asset brokerage via Zodia Markets. With this latest launch, institutions now have a one-stop shop for both custody and trading, all within a traditional banking framework.

Standard Chartered is registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority as a cryptoasset service provider. This gives clients access to regulated crypto trading supported by institutional-grade risk management and a strong balance sheet. The bank says this structure gives institutions confidence, especially in a space that has seen several high-profile failures. It also removes some of the key hurdles that firms face when trying to trade cryptoassets through less regulated venues. Besides spot trading, Standard Chartered plans to offer non-deliverable forwards for digital assets soon. The expansion signals a growing appetite among institutions for sophisticated crypto trading tools, not just simple buying and selling. The bank is now positioning itself to serve that demand, providing both access and infrastructure under a trusted brand name. According to company officials, digital assets are becoming a core component of financial services.

Standard Chartered’s move aligns with growing institutional interest in regulated access to crypto markets. The bank’s top executives say digital assets are no longer optional, they’re central to the future of finance. As the market matures, institutions are seeking providers that offer security, compliance, and familiarity. By offering direct BTC and ETH trading with custody options, Standard Chartered is giving them exactly that.