Standard Chartered Becomes First Global Bank to Launch Bitcoin and Ether Spot Trading in the UK

Standard Chartered Enters Bitcoin And Ether Spot Trading With Direct Service For Institutional Clients

Standard Chartered has launched a bitcoin and ether spot trading desk in the UK, making it the first global systemically important bank to offer such a regulated service directly to institutional investors.

The move signals a deeper push by the bank into the digital assets sector as interest among corporates, hedge funds, and asset managers continues to climb.

Direct Access To Digital Assets Now Available Through Familiar FX Systems

Unlike derivative products or futures, spot trading enables clients to buy and sell actual bitcoin and ether for immediate delivery.

The new offering is fully integrated into Standard Chartered’s existing foreign exchange platforms, allowing institutional clients to transact using interfaces they already use for traditional currencies.

Settlement can be made through the client’s preferred custodian, including the bank’s own digital custody service.

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, said,

“This gives our clients a safe and efficient route to transact, trade and manage digital asset risk within regulatory requirements. Digital assets are a foundational element of the evolution in financial services.”

First-Mover Advantage Among Global Banks

By offering deliverable spot trading through its UK branch, Standard Chartered becomes the first major bank with systemic global importance to offer direct access to physical bitcoin and ether.

The service operates under the UK’s regulatory framework and leverages the bank’s global infrastructure and risk management systems.

Tony Hall, Global Head of Trading and XVA – Markets, said:

“We are applying our global expertise, infrastructure and risk management frameworks that our clients trust to the digital assets space.”

The bank also revealed plans to add non-deliverable forwards trading in the near future, expanding its range of crypto-related services.

Institutional Adoption Pushes Banks Deeper Into Crypto

Standard Chartered has gradually been expanding its digital asset capabilities.

It holds stakes in Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, both of which offer crypto custody and trading services tailored for institutions.

In 2023, it also established a blockchain unit named Libeara to help clients with tokenisation of real-world assets.

This new spot trading service is one of the clearest signs yet of how deeply crypto is being woven into institutional finance.

A recent study by KPMG and the Alternative Investment Management Association found that 91% of hedge funds are already involved in crypto or plan to be within five years.

Bitcoin Outlook Remains Bullish Despite Market Volatility

Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Head of Digital Assets Research, recently forecast bitcoin to hit $135,000 by the end of Q3 and potentially $200,000 by year-end.

He attributes this outlook to rising ETF inflows, increased corporate treasury allocations, and supportive regulatory developments.

Bitcoin is currently trading around $116,806, while interest from institutional players continues to grow.

Kendrick, however, expressed caution over whether ether and other altcoins like Solana will reach new highs in 2025.

Other Banks Eye Similar Moves As Institutional Pressure Builds

Standard Chartered’s entry into spot crypto trading may put pressure on other traditional financial institutions to accelerate their digital asset plans.

Charles Schwab’s CEO Rick Wurster recently said the firm is “hopeful and likely” to support spot crypto trading within 12 months.

JPMorgan Chase is also piloting its own blockchain token, JPMD, which is being tested on Ethereum’s Layer 2 network, Base.

With more than 135 public companies now holding bitcoin—nearly 848,000 BTC combined—banks are responding to a growing demand for secure, compliant access to crypto markets.

As institutions increase their exposure, services like those from Standard Chartered are expected to become essential infrastructure.