Standard Chartered launches Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions in major crypto push

Multinational banking giant Standard Chartered has officially launched Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions, marking a significant step in bridging traditional finance with digital assets.

The service, now available through its UK branch, allows corporations and institutional investors to trade BTC and ETH via spot markets, with plans to introduce crypto derivatives soon.

The move underscores the bank’s commitment to integrating digital assets into mainstream financial services.

Standard Chartered’s Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions: What’s included?

The newly launched service enables institutional clients to trade Bitcoin and Ether through familiar foreign exchange (FX) interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with existing banking platforms.

Investors can also choose their preferred custodian, including Standard Chartered’s proprietary custody solutions.

“Digital assets are a foundational element of the evolution in financial services. They’re integral to enabling new pathways for innovation, greater inclusion and growth across the industry,” said Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, in a statement.

The bank has been steadily expanding its crypto offerings, having launched a regulated custody service for Bitcoin and Ether in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September 2023.

Why Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions matters

Standard Chartered’s entry into institutional crypto trading reflects a broader trend of traditional financial players embracing digital assets. By offering Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions, the bank is catering to growing demand from hedge funds, asset managers, and corporations seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies.

“This is a clear signal that institutional adoption of crypto is accelerating,” said Marcus Swanepoel, CEO of Luno, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. “Banks like Standard Chartered provide the trust and infrastructure needed for large-scale participation.”

The service’s flexibility in custody options is particularly noteworthy, allowing clients to store assets with third-party providers or Standard Chartered’s own regulated custody solution.

What’s next? Derivatives and global expansion

Following the rollout of Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions, Standard Chartered plans to introduce crypto non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), a type of derivatives contract. This will enable institutions to hedge positions or speculate on future price movements without direct asset ownership.

The bank’s strategic focus on digital assets aligns with its previous ventures, including its investment in Zodia Custody, a crypto safekeeping service. Analysts predict further expansion into other regions, particularly Asia and the Middle East, where institutional interest in crypto is surging.

“The next phase will be about offering structured products and lending services around Bitcoin and Ether,” said Iqbal Gandham, VP of Transactions at Coinbase Institutional. “Banks are realizing they can’t ignore this asset class.”