15-7-2025 – Standard Chartered has launched spot trading for bitcoin and ether through its UK branch, becoming the first global systemically important bank to offer such services to institutional clients, Reuters first reported.
The initiative, announced on Tuesday, targets corporates, investors, and asset managers, allowing them to trade digital assets via familiar foreign exchange interfaces. This move responds to growing institutional demand for regulated crypto trading. Standard Chartered emphasized its platform’s security and scalability, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The bank also plans to introduce non-deliverable forwards trading soon, expanding its crypto offerings.“As client demand accelerates, we aim to provide a safe and efficient way to transact and manage digital asset risks within regulatory frameworks,” said Chief Executive Bill Winters.
The bank’s entry into spot trading marks a significant step in bridging traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem, reflecting broader institutional acceptance of digital assets. Standard Chartered’s UK-based service integrates with its in-house custody solutions, offering clients flexibility in trade settlement.
This development follows the bank’s bullish outlook on bitcoin, with analysts predicting prices could hit $200,000 by year-end, driven by institutional inflows and regulatory advancements.
