Institutional Crypto Trading Service Debuts by Standard Chartered Bank
In a groundbreaking move, Standard Chartered has recently unveiled a fully integrated digital assets trading service, catering specifically to institutional clients such as corporates, investors, and asset managers. This service offers spot trading for Bitcoin (XBT/USD) and Ether (XET/USD) through its UK branch, with plans to introduce non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) trading in the near future.
This development makes Standard Chartered the first global systemically important bank to offer deliverable spot cryptoasset trading for institutional clients. The trading service is seamlessly integrated with the bank's established foreign exchange trading interfaces, lowering the barrier to entry for clients by allowing them to trade cryptocurrencies through familiar trading environments.
Clients can settle trades using a choice of custodians, including Standard Chartered’s own secure digital assets custody solutions via its corporate and investment banking arm, and Zodia Custody, launched in 2021, backed by the bank’s venture arm and Northern Trust. This robust custody ecosystem provides clients with the flexibility to select their preferred custodians for trade settlement.
Standard Chartered, as an FCA-registered cryptoasset service provider, leverages its regulated framework to help institutional clients navigate regulatory uncertainty and access crypto markets safely. The bank applies its global expertise, infrastructure, and trusted risk management frameworks to manage security and counterparty risk effectively.
The launch follows Standard Chartered being named a strategic partner for GFO-X, the UK’s first regulated and centrally cleared trading venue dedicated to digital asset derivatives. This positions the bank at the forefront of regulated digital asset market infrastructure development.
The digital asset services continue to support asset tokenisation initiatives through Standard Chartered's venture, Libeara. The bank's digital asset offerings are part of its ongoing efforts to maintain strict compliance with regulatory frameworks while expanding its digital finance offerings.
In summary, Standard Chartered’s new service provides institutional clients with a secure, regulated, and integrated way to trade and settle digital assets. It addresses key concerns—such as security, regulatory uncertainty, and counterparty risk—by leveraging the bank’s regulated status, custody solutions, and extensive risk management capabilities, while enabling access through familiar trading platforms.
This new service, offered by Standard Chartered, allows institutional clients to trade digital assets in a secure and integrated manner, bridging the gap between traditional business practices and the burgeoning technology of cryptocurrency. Clients can seize opportunities in the dynamic world of finance by executing spot trades for Bitcoin and Ether, alongside future plans for Non-Deliverable Forwards (NDFs) trading, all within a familiar trading environment.
