Standard Chartered Bank has launched spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing institutional clients with direct access.

In the process of cryptocurrency gradually integrating into mainstream finance, the participation of Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIB) is a key milestone. Standard Chartered Bank recently launched spot trading services for Bitcoin and Ether through its UK branch, marking it as the first Global Systemically Important Bank to provide institutional clients with direct access to these digital assets in a regulated manner. This move not only reflects the growing interest of institutional investors in digital assets but also positions Standard Chartered Bank as a leader among mainstream banks adapting to the increasingly mature cryptocurrency market.

Standard Chartered: The First Global Systemically Important Bank to Offer Crypto Spot Trading

According to a report by Reuters on Tuesday, Standard Chartered's move allows businesses, asset management companies, and institutional investors to trade Bitcoin and Ether through a familiar foreign exchange trading interface. The launch of this service means that institutional clients can trade Bitcoin and Ether (the two most widely held and liquid Crypto Assets) in real-time while complying with UK regulatory standards.

Group CEO Bill Winters stated: "As customer demand continues to rise, we aim to provide our clients with a safe and effective way to trade digital assets and manage risks within the regulatory requirements." The bank added that, with the expansion of its Crypto Assets product suite, non-deliverable forward foreign exchange will also be launched soon.

Standard Chartered's Active Deployment in the Crypto Assets Field

Standard Chartered Bank has been quietly expanding its Crypto Assets business through a series of targeted initiatives, demonstrating its long-term commitment to digital assets:

Digital Collateral Mirror Program: In April 2025, the bank launched a Digital Collateral Mirror Program in collaboration with Franklin Templeton, aimed at connecting traditional finance and digital asset management.

Stablecoin joint venture: In February this year, its Hong Kong subsidiary partnered with Animoca Brands and Hong Kong Telecommunications (HKT) to establish a new stablecoin joint venture. The group plans to issue a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin under the new regulatory framework in Hong Kong and has submitted a license application to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Exploring the US Market: The Wall Street Journal reported in April this year that after years of regulatory resistance, Standard Chartered and Deutsche Bank are both exploring new avenues to expand their encryption business in the United States.

Traditional Banks Enter Instant Crypto Assets Trading: Opening New Horizons

Standard Chartered Bank's entry into spot trading marks a significant change in the way traditional banks interact with digital assets. To date, most large financial institutions have limited themselves to providing custody or indirect exposure through structured products and funds. This issuance also has strategic significance. By integrating encryption functionalities into its core financial infrastructure, Standard Chartered Bank can better manage client risks, deepen relationships with forward-looking asset management companies, and expand its services in an increasingly on-chain market.

Despite competitors still grappling with internal policy and regulatory uncertainties, Standard Chartered's latest move indicates that it bets on Crypto Assets becoming a permanent component of institutional financing. The launch of this service not only provides institutional investors with a more convenient and compliant Crypto Assets trading channel but also sets a new benchmark for the entire traditional finance industry.

Standard Chartered Bank has launched Bitcoin and Ether spot trading services, marking an important milestone in the development of the Crypto Assets market. As the first global systemically important bank to offer such services, Standard Chartered Bank not only meets the growing demands of institutional clients but also injects strong momentum into the compliance and mainstreaming process of Crypto Assets. This initiative signifies that the integration of traditional finance and digital assets will accelerate further, bringing new changes to the global financial market.