Standard Chartered Becomes First Global G‑SIB to Offer Deliverable Spot Trading in Bitcoin and Ether

Standard Chartered Becomes First Global G‑SIB to Offer Deliverable Spot Trading in Bitcoin and Ether

(IN BRIEF) Standard Chartered has launched the first deliverable spot trading service for Bitcoin (XBT/USD) and Ether (XET/USD) offered by a global systemically important bank, available through its UK branch. This new platform, fully integrated with the bank’s FX trading interfaces, allows institutional clients—including corporates, asset managers, and investors—to trade digital assets and settle with their choice of custodian, including the bank’s own custody solution. As an FCA‑registered cryptoasset service provider, Standard Chartered combines regulatory compliance with a strong balance sheet and institutional‑grade risk controls. The bank plans to introduce non‑deliverable forwards (NDFs) next and continues to broaden its digital assets offerings alongside its custody service and ventures Zodia Custody, Zodia Markets, and Libeara.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 15-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Standard Chartered today unveiled a fully integrated digital assets trading platform for institutional clients, marking the first time a global systemically important bank has offered deliverable spot trading in Bitcoin (XBT/USD) and Ether (XET/USD). Building on the success of its recently launched digital assets custody service, the bank’s UK branch will initially provide spot trading and will shortly expand to include non‑deliverable forwards (NDFs). This new service enables corporates, investors, and asset managers to trade digital assets directly through Standard Chartered’s established FX trading interfaces.

Institutional clients will benefit from seamless integration with the bank’s existing trading infrastructure and can choose their preferred custodian for settlement, including Standard Chartered’s own secure digital assets custody solution. As an FCA‑registered cryptoasset service provider, the bank offers clients the confidence of regulated access, underpinned by a robust balance sheet, institutional‑grade risk controls, and a world‑class trading platform.

Commenting on the launch, Group Chief Executive Bill Winters said, “Digital assets are reshaping financial services by unlocking new avenues for innovation, inclusion, and growth. As client interest intensifies, we’re committed to delivering a regulated, efficient framework for trading and managing digital asset exposure.” Tony Hall, Global Head of Trading and XVA, Markets, added, “By leveraging our global infrastructure and proven risk management, we’re uniquely positioned to break down the barriers that institutions face when entering the crypto market.”

This trading service complements Standard Chartered’s expanding digital asset ecosystem, which already includes custody and trading through its Corporate and Investment Bank, digital asset ventures Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, and tokenization capabilities via Libeara.

Standard Chartered

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Media Contacts:

Alvina Neo
Standard Chartered
email: Alvina.neo@sc.com

Rami Lawand
Standard Chartered
email: Rami.Lawand@sc.com

SOURCE: Standard Chartered