Standard Chartered has become the first major global bank to offer spot trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), reinforcing its leadership in digital assets and signaling growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. The service is initially available through the bank’s UK branch, with trading open during Asia and European market hours. There are plans to expand availability to 24/5 trading in the near future.
Direct Access to BTC and ETH Through FX Trading Platforms
Institutional clients can now trade BTC and ETH directly through Standard Chartered’s existing foreign exchange (FX) trading infrastructure. This integration allows asset managers, corporates, and large financial institutions to access crypto markets without needing to adopt new systems or processes.
Trades can be settled using a custodian of the client’s choice, including Standard Chartered’s own in-house digital custody platform. This flexibility ensures clients maintain control over their assets while benefiting from the security and trust of a globally recognized bank.
Expanding Digital Asset Services to Meet Institutional Demand
This new offering builds on Standard Chartered’s strong track record in the digital asset space. The bank has previously launched and supported ventures like Zodia Custody, Zodia Markets, and Libeara, all aimed at expanding institutional access to blockchain-based financial services.
Looking ahead, the bank plans to introduce non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) and broaden its suite of digital asset products. These developments reflect a growing demand from institutional investors seeking secure, regulated access to the cryptocurrency market.
With this launch, Standard Chartered continues to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, offering trusted infrastructure for clients entering the crypto space.
