Standard Chartered Becomes First Major Bank to Launch Institutional Crypto Spot Trading (16.07.2025)
On July 15, 2025, Standard Chartered made history as the first global systemically important bank to offer deliverable spot trading of Bitcoin and Ether to institutional clients. The new service - integrated into its FX trading infrastructure - includes regulated custody options and will soon feature non-deliverable forwards, signaling a decisive shift in mainstream finance’s embrace of crypto.
✨Get a Dissertation Research Proposal on this Topic
Fill in the form and we will shortly create and send you the research proposal on "Standard Chartered Becomes First Major Bank to Launch Institutional Crypto Spot Trading " for free.
What happened?
Standard Chartered’s UK branch launched crypto spot trading for BTC/USD and ETH/USD on July 15 for institutional clients - marking the first time a major global bank offers deliverable crypto assets directly. The trading is fully integrated into existing FX platforms, with settlement via clients’ preferred custodians, including Standard Chartered’s own Zodia Custody.
Why it matters
This is a watershed moment for TradFi, bridging the gap between traditional banks and crypto-native exchanges. By embedding crypto into regulated FX channels, Standard Chartered reduces friction and addresses institutional concerns around custody, compliance, and daily risk .
- Spot trading: Real BTC and ETH trades settled deliverably.
- FX integration: Access via familiar FX trading interfaces.
- Custody flexibility: Clients can opt for external custodians or Zodia’s in-house solution.
- Non - Deliverable Forwards (NDFs): Introducing soon for crypto risk management.
- Trading hours: Launch covers Asian & European time zones, with potential expansion to 24/5 trading.
Strategic context
This move builds upon Standard Chartered’s existing digital asset services - custody (Zodia), tokenisation (Libeara), and stablecoin initiatives - cementing its growing role in crypto infrastructure. As U.S. regulators signal openness with “crypto week” legislation and BTC - USD ETFs gain momentum, now is a prime time for banks to deepen crypto engagement.
Market response & implications
Crypto-focused media celebrated the “industry-first” launch, praising the integration of crypto into mainstream trading with robust risk controls . Analysts view this as a bellwether for peers: Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, already exploring crypto derivatives, may follow suit into spot trading to remain competitive.
Final Take
With its crypto spot trading launch, Standard Chartered has redefined the relationship between traditional banking and digital assets. Offering real BTC and ETH for institutional clients via trusted FX platforms in a regulatory-safe environment isn’t just symbolic - it’s transformative. Expect this strategic play to accelerate mainstream adoption, reshape institutional portfolios, and prompt a wave of similar offerings from global banks.
About ECEBiS
At ECEBiS you are going to understand what will change the trajectory of the financial industry. You will develop a transversal view on the forces that are shaping the future financial industry.
From payments and lending to investment and money management, tech providers are actively shaping the future of the financial landscape - even pushing the boundaries of currency itself. You might evaluate the impact of robo-advising on health management and examine portfolio recommendations from a diversified set of RAs and attempt to identify the factors behind proposed splits between asset classes.
ECEBiS is a platform in academic research on new business models and innovative products. We investigate in fast moving sectors that are reshaping the financial world of tomorrow and pioneering new ways of doing business. We want to attract outstanding ECEBiS students in finance with experiences and exposures, who intend to
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance (online, 3 years part-time)
develop knowledge on challenges that shape the future of financial industry
engage with a program that offers the convenience of online learning with the benefits of accreditation and global reach.
raise awareness on the importance of fintech and sustainability in finance
identify the best practices in the financial industry to spread positive changes
Go beyond the virtual classroom and network with other ambitious executives and entrepreneurs as you expand your credibility and expertise in the world’s most transformative fields.