Standard Chartered’s spot crypto trading offering is now fully realised. The bank is the first G-SIB (Globally Systemically Important Bank) to offer its institutional clients direct spot trading access to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) in a regulated manner.

The bank’s UK branch launched the service, according to a report published by Reuters on 15 July 2025. Reportedly, the new service integrates with Standard Chartered’s existing trading platforms, therefore allowing for the trading of BTC and ETH on familiar FX (Foreign Exchange) interfaces. Additionally, clients can settle with a custodian of their choice, including the bank’s in-house custody service offerings.

Rene Michau, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Digital Assets, explained that while the offering is currently limited to Asian and European trading hours, 24/5 access is under consideration depending on client demand.

JUST IN: Standard Chartered becomes the first global bank to launch institutional trading for BTC and ETH, marking a major step in mainstream crypto adoption. pic.twitter.com/H7iAdLcd9T — Isaac Nelson (@IsaacNelsonX17) July 15, 2025

Bill Winters, Standard Chartered’s Group Chief Executive, stated, “As client demand accelerates further, we want to offer clients a route to transact, trade and manage digital asset risk safely and efficiently within regulatory requirements.”

Furthermore, the bank has notified that while the focus for now will remain on BTC and ETH, it will offer non-deliverable forwards as it expands its crypto product suite in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Standard Chartered has become the first global bank to enable spot crypto trading for BTC and ETH.
• This offering will integrate into Standard Chartered’s already existing FX platforms.
• This offering has been in development since June 2024 when the bank announced a desk for BTC and ETH spot trading.