Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot Trading for Institutional Clients

Standard Chartered has become the first global systemically important bank to offer deliverable spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum, marking a significant milestone in the integration of digital assets into traditional finance. The bank announced on Tuesday that its UK branch will provide spot trading pairs for Bitcoin (XBT/USD) and Ethereum (XET/USD) to institutional clients, including corporates, investors, and fund managers. This move builds on the bank’s growing digital asset capabilities and positions it as a regulated gateway for institutional crypto trading.

The new trading service allows clients to access crypto markets through Standard Chartered’s standard foreign exchange interfaces, ensuring a seamless experience. The bank plans to expand its offerings with non-deliverable forwards trading in the near future, further broadening its crypto product suite. By leveraging its regulated banking framework, Standard Chartered aims to deliver a secure and trusted platform for institutional investors navigating the digital asset space. The service is supported by the bank’s institutional-grade risk controls and its established trading infrastructure.

A Strategic Push into Digital Assets

Standard Chartered’s foray into crypto trading reflects its broader commitment to digital assets as a transformative force in financial services. Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, emphasized the role of digital assets in driving innovation and inclusion across the industry. The bank’s trading platform operates under its UK branch, which is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a crypto asset service provider, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Clients can settle trades with their preferred custodians, including Standard Chartered’s own digital asset custody solutions.

The bank’s digital asset ecosystem extends beyond trading, encompassing custody services through Zodia Custody, trading via Zodia Markets, and tokenization through Libeara. Tony Hall, Global Head of Trading and XVA, Markets, at Standard Chartered, highlighted the bank’s application of its global expertise and risk management frameworks to the crypto space. This approach ensures that clients benefit from the same level of trust and reliability they expect from the bank’s traditional financial services. The launch follows Standard Chartered’s earlier expansion into crypto custody in the UAE in September 2024 and the acquisition of a Luxembourg license in January 2025 to offer custody services compliant with the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets regulation.

Standard Chartered’s entry into spot crypto trading shows the growing acceptance of digital assets among major financial institutions. By offering regulated trading services, the bank is catering to the increasing demand from institutional investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH. The move also aligns with the broader trend of traditional banks embracing digital assets to meet evolving client needs. As the crypto market continues to mature, Standard Chartered’s initiative positions it as a leader in bridging traditional finance with the digital asset economy.