Standard Chartered Makes History: Launches First Institutional ETH and BTC Trading Desk

Wall Street's old guard just got a crypto wake-up call.

Standard Chartered—the 160-year-old banking giant—just flipped the script by becoming the first major bank to offer institutional Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. No more hiding behind 'blockchain research' reports or custody baby steps. This is direct market access with the bank's full weight behind it.

The institutional floodgates creak open

Forget the crypto bros—this move targets hedge funds, asset managers, and corporates who've been waiting for a blue-chip counterparty. The bank's infrastructure promises something crypto-native exchanges struggle with: compliance-first rails, 24/7 settlement, and that sweet, sweet regulatory cover.

Why now? The bank's crypto division has been quietly building since 2020, when 'blockchain not Bitcoin' was still CEO cocktail party talk. Five years later, with ETH and BTC collectively worth over $1 trillion, the risk calculus changed. (That and losing prime brokerage clients to Coinbase probably stung.)

The fine print nobody will read

Expect the usual corporate hedging: 'risk management tools,' 'client demand,' and carefully avoiding any price predictions. But make no mistake—this legitimizes crypto as an institutional asset class more than any ETF approval ever could.

Closing thought: Nothing accelerates banking innovation like the fear of becoming irrelevant. Welcome to the party, StanChart—just try not to charge $50 per trade like your FX desk does.

TLDR

• Standard Chartered Launches Regulated BTC & ETH Trading for Institutions

• Bank Integrates Crypto with FX Systems, Simplifies Institutional Access

• BTC & ETH Now Tradable via Trusted Banking Channels, Risk-Controlled

• Standard Chartered Sets Benchmark in Regulated Institutional Crypto Trading

• Global Bank Streamlines Digital Assets into Traditional Treasury Operations

Standard Chartered has launched regulated ETH and BTC trading for institutional clients, becoming the first major bank. This MOVE integrates digital assets into its traditional foreign exchange systems, streamlining access through existing infrastructure. The bank’s launch signals a major shift toward mainstream acceptance and operational readiness for digital asset trading at scale.

Bitcoin Trading Now Live for Institutional Clients

Standard Chartered has started offering BTC spot trading directly from its UK branch under a regulated framework. This service allows institutional clients to trade BTC using familiar FX platforms without the need for separate systems. The offering supports client-settled trades through Standard Chartered’s own custody or any third-party custodian of their choice.

JUST IN: Standard Chartered becomes first global bank to offer institutional $BTC and $ETH trading. pic.twitter.com/kaxmq6lE3V

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) July 15, 2025

The bank positions itself as the first global institution to bring BTC trading into daily treasury operations. Standard Chartered runs the new service within the same environment as its major currency operations, enhancing efficiency. This allows institutional participants to manage BTC exposure with the same tools used for traditional assets.

Standard Chartered, listed as a G-SIB, meets the strictest global banking standards, which boosts confidence in its BTC trading rollout. The bank is FCA-registered and applies robust capital buffers and risk controls to this new digital asset service. These safeguards offer clients additional assurance as BTC trading becomes accessible through trusted banking infrastructure.

ETH Access Added to FX Platforms

Standard Chartered enables ETH trading through its FX systems for corporate and asset management clients. Clients can execute ETH spot trades directly from the same interface used for dollar, euro, and yen trades. The system brings ETH into established workflows while ensuring full compliance with UK regulations.

Standard Chartered’s ETH trading setup is part of its broader plan to offer regulated crypto access. The bank’s infrastructure supports efficient and secure execution for institutions managing ETH holdings. Clients also benefit from access to regulated digital custody, either internally or via external partners.

The ETH offering is integrated with Standard Chartered’s trading framework, including risk management and settlement functions. This reduces friction and operational barriers for ETH adoption at the institutional level. ETH trades can occur without needing separate crypto-specific accounts or unregulated exchanges.

Global Bank Sets Pace for Regulated Crypto Expansion

Standard Chartered has created a scalable, secure gateway for institutional ETH and BTC trading through its banking channels. The bank continues to expand its digital asset services, following earlier launches in custody and tokenization. This latest launch positions it ahead of peers in the regulated crypto space.

Standard Chartered’s digital assets desk will also introduce non-deliverable forwards to extend its trading capabilities. Its crypto service strategy  spans custody, spot trading and tokenized assets under one global framework. Clients benefit from a unified platform supported by regulatory clarity and financial stability.

This launch reflects strong demand for regulated ETH and BTC trading within a banking environment. Standard Chartered’s move redefines the digital asset landscape for large institutions. By doing so, the bank strengthens its role in shaping the next phase of global financial markets.