Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin and Ethereum Spot Trading for Institutions

Standard Chartered has officially launched spot trading opportunities for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through its UK branch. This move is seen as an effort that bridges the gap between digital assets and traditional finance. Now, Standard Chartered is the first global systemically important financial institution to offer deliverable spot trading for these top cryptocurrencies.

Standard Chartered Launched BTC and ETH Spot Trading

Standard Chartered’s new service targets institutional clients, including asset managers, corporates, and large investors. These clients will now be able to trade BTC and ETH directly through Standard Chartered’s regulated platforms during Asia and European trading hours. According to Reuters, the spot trading platform is integrated into the bank’s existing foreign exchange (FX) trading systems, allowing clients to interact with crypto assets in a familiar environment.

Rene Michau, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets, stated that the launch reflects a growing demand from institutions for secure, regulated access to digital assets. “Institutions are actively seeking credible partners to navigate the crypto market while adhering to regulatory requirements,” said Michau.

Clients will have the option to settle trades using their own chosen custodians or to utilize Standard Chartered’s internal custody services, offering flexibility in managing digital assets while maintaining compliance with strict financial oversight.

Institutional Demand Drives Innovation

This expansion comes as institutional interest in cryptocurrencies surges. Bitcoin recently surged to a record high of $123K, reigniting investor appetite for digital assets. In response to this market momentum, Standard Chartered is planning further enhancements to its crypto offering, including the introduction of non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) for BTC and ETH. A move toward 24/5 trading access is also under review, depending on client demand.

CEO Bill Winters reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to embracing digital innovation while ensuring strong regulatory compliance. “We are positioning ourselves to support institutional clients looking for safe, regulated exposure to digital assets,” Winters said.

The new service builds on Standard Chartered’s ongoing involvement in digital asset markets. The bank is already a key supporter of Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, both of which provide infrastructure for secure digital asset storage and trading.

In April, Standard Chartered also partnered with crypto exchange OKX to pilot a new collateral management solution. Operated under the supervision of Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, this program allows institutions to use tokenized money market funds and cryptocurrencies as collateral while maintaining off-exchange control, a move aimed at reducing risk and improving operational security.

The launch of Standard Chartered’s spot trading service coincides with a broader wave of regulatory focus on digital assets worldwide. It comes at a time when the U.S. House of Representatives is holding "Crypto Week," during which politicians are talking about how to regulate cryptocurrencies in the future. Grayscale also filed for an IPO with the U.S. SEC, which shows that institutional investors are still interested in digital asset exchanges.

Standard Chartered's crypto services are only available at its UK branch right now, but the bank has said it aims to expand, depending on future demand and changes in regulations in major worldwide markets. For now, it is still focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are the two most valuable cryptocurrencies by market cap. This is a big step towards making digital assets more common in institutions. It brings the credibility of a multinational bank to the forefront of crypto adoption.