Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Bitcoin & Ether Trading

Global banking giant Standard Chartered has taken a significant step into the digital asset sector by introducing a new trading service designed for institutional and corporate clients. This move signals a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency among traditional financial institutions.

Bitcoin and Ether Trading Launched via UK Operations

The UK-headquartered bank has begun offering spot trading for two of the most widely recognized cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Ether. Standard Chartered's UK operations are leading the rollout, underscoring London’s ongoing importance as a global financial hub.

Derivatives Expansion on the Horizon

Alongside the introduction of spot trading, the bank has also revealed its intention to broaden its crypto services. Plans are underway to include non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), a form of derivatives contract that enables clients to speculate or hedge without requiring physical delivery of the cryptocurrency.

Seamless Integration with Existing Infrastructure

One of the distinguishing features of the new offering is its deep integration with Standard Chartered’s existing trading infrastructure. Institutional users can now access crypto markets through the same foreign exchange interfaces they already utilize, ensuring minimal friction and a familiar user experience.

Flexible Custody Solutions for Institutional Clients

In terms of asset storage, the bank’s new platform offers a high degree of flexibility. Clients are allowed to choose from a range of third-party custodians or opt for Standard Chartered’s in-house custody services. This customizability ensures that different risk and compliance preferences can be met.

Ongoing Expansion of Crypto Custody Services

Standard Chartered’s push into digital assets is not new. The bank has been steadily enhancing its crypto custody capabilities, with a key milestone reached last September when it launched a regulated custody solution for Bitcoin and Ether in the United Arab Emirates. This latest announcement is part of a broader, strategic expansion into institutional crypto services.

"As client demand accelerates further, we want to offer clients a route to transact, trade and manage digital asset risk safely and efficiently within regulatory requirements," said Chief Executive Bill Winters.