Standard Chartered’s Spot Crypto Trading for Institutional Investors Transforms into an “Industry-First” Achievement
The spot crypto trading service provided by Standard Chartered is now completely operational. The bank stands as the first G-SIB (Globally Systemically Important Bank) to grant its institutional clientele direct access to regulated spot trading for BTC (Bitcoin) and Ether (ETH).
According to a report released by Reuters on 15 July 2025, the service was introduced by the bank’s UK branch. The innovative service merges with Standard Chartered’s existing trading systems, allowing clients to trade BTC and Ethereum through familiar FX (Foreign Trading network) platforms. Moreover, clients can choose to settle with any custodian they prefer, including the bank’s internal custody service options.
Rene Michau, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Digital Assets, noted that while the current availability is restricted to Asian and European trading hours, there are plans to consider 24/5 access based on client interest.
BREAKING: Standard Chartered makes history as the first global bank to offer institutional trading for $BTC and $ETH, marking a significant milestone in crypto’s mainstream integration. pic.twitter.com/H7iAdLcd9T
— Isaac Nelson (@IsaacNelsonX17) July 15, 2025
Bill Winters, the Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, stated, “As client buyer interest grows, we aim to provide clients with a means to transact, trade, and manage digital asset risks securely and efficiently within regulatory frameworks.”
Additionally, the bank has indicated that while the initial emphasis will be on Bitcoin and ETH, it plans to introduce non-deliverable forwards as it broadens its crypto product offerings in the future.
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Standard Chartered’s Spot Crypto Trading Represents Crypto’s Entry into Mainstream Banking
Over the years, Standard Chartered has maintained a carefully optimistic view on crypto. The latest spot trading service has been in the works since June of the previous year when it announced the establishment of a spot trading desk for Bitcoin and ETH.
The transition of Standard Chartered into crypto asset spot trading highlights a significant change in how traditional financial (TradFi) institutions engage with digital assets. Presently, the majority of TradFi banks limit their offerings to custodial services or indirect exposure through structured products and funds. However, this could change in the future.
Currently, Standard Chartered enjoys a first-mover benefit with its provision of direct, real-time access to Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, which are among the most widely traded cryptocurrencies, all within the regulatory guidelines of the UK financial system.
This offering also provides the bank with a strategic advantage. By incorporating crypto services into its financial framework, Standard Chartered has enhanced its client risk management and positioned itself as a key player in an expanding on-chain financial ecosystem.
Furthermore, with this launch, the bank has broadened its digital asset portfolio, including Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, which emphasize secure crypto custody and trading infrastructure, along with Libeara, a specialized protocol for digital asset tokenization.
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Standard Chartered’s Subtle Move into Digital Solutions Growth
In April, the Wall Street Journal reported that Standard Chartered was investigating opportunities to enhance its crypto efforts in the United States following President Trump’s supportive crypto regulations after facing lengthy regulatory challenges.
The bank also collaborated in April 2025 with OKX and Franklin Templeton to launch a digital collateral mirroring initiative, intended to connect TradFi and digital asset management.
Moreover, earlier this year in February, the bank’s Hong Kong branch collectively kicked off its stablecoin project alongside Animoca Brands, a local Web3 developer, and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT).
The organization seeks to issue a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin pursuant to the city’s new regulatory framework and has filed an application with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) for licensing.
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Key Insights
- Standard Chartered is the first global bank to offer spot crypto trading for BTC and ETH
- This initiative will integrate with the existing FX platforms of Standard Chartered
- Development for this offering has been ongoing since June 2024 when the bank introduced its BTC and ETH spot trading desk
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