TL;DR
- Standard Chartered has rolled out a USD-paired spot trading desk for Bitcoin and Ether, becoming the first global systemically important bank to offer fully regulated, institutional-grade crypto trading.
- The desk is built into the bank’s existing FX platform, delivering real-time liquidity, competitive pricing, seamless dollar settlements, and a choice of approved custodians, including Standard Chartered’s own digital custody.
- Backed by FCA approvals and stringent risk controls, this launch bolsters the bank’s broader digital assets ecosystem, leveraging stakes in Zodia Custody, Zodia Markets, and its Libeara tokenization arm.
Standard Chartered has launched a spot trading desk for Bitcoin and Ether paired with U.S. dollars, targeting institutional clients. This step solidifies the bank’s position as the first global systemically important bank to offer a fully regulated and scalable entry into the crypto markets. From asset managers to corporate treasuries, institutions can now trade and settle digital assets under the umbrella of a top-tier global bank.
Market-Leading Entry into Crypto
By launching deliverable spot trading for Bitcoin and Ether, Standard Chartered positions itself at the forefront of institutional digital asset adoption. The new service is offered through the bank’s London branch, tapping into its existing foreign exchange infrastructure. Clients gain access to real-time liquidity pools, competitive pricing, and dedicated relationship teams, all backed by a balance sheet rated among the strongest in global banking.
Integrated Trading and Settlement
The spot trading desk is seamlessly integrated into Standard Chartered’s FX platform, letting institutions place crypto orders alongside their traditional currency trades. Settlements occur in U.S. dollars, with clients free to choose from approved custodians, including Standard Chartered’s in-house digital custody offering. This streamlined model delivers institutional-grade execution, reporting, and counterparty risk controls within familiar trading environments.
Robust Regulatory and Risk Framework
Navigating the regulatory landscape has been central to the rollout. Standard Chartered has worked closely with authorities since mid-2024 to secure the necessary approvals under its FCA-regulated umbrella. Global Head of Trading and XVA Tony Hall highlights that the desk operates under the bank’s stringent market-risk and compliance protocols, aiming to lower barriers for institutions while maintaining a watertight risk management posture.
Building a Holistic Digital Assets Suite
This desk launch enhances Standard Chartered’s overall crypto strategy. The bank has strategic investments in Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, runs a tokenization division named Libeara, and provides custody and interoperability services.
Standard Chartered Global Head of Digital Assets Research Geoffrey Kendrick continues to forecast strong tailwinds for Bitcoin, projecting prices above $135,000 by Q3, driven by ETF inflows and growing corporate treasury allocations. With this ambitious debut, Standard Chartered underscores its commitment to bridging conventional finance and emerging crypto markets, offering institutions a regulated, robust pathway into digital assets.
