In a move that could shake up the cryptocurrency landscape, Standard Chartered has announced the launch of direct institutional trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as of July 15, 2025. This initiative allows institutional investors to trade these digital assets with deliverable settlement options and optional custody services—offering a fresh avenue for large-scale market players to engage with the crypto economy.
A New Era for Institutional Crypto Trading
Standard Chartered’s foray into BTC and ETH trading marks a significant step in legitimizing cryptocurrency as a viable asset class for institutional investors. By offering deliverable settlement, the bank ensures that clients receive the actual digital assets, rather than just cash equivalents—an important distinction for those who value holding the assets themselves. “This development could potentially bolster confidence in the market,” remarks Jamie Lee, a seasoned crypto analyst at Crypto Insights. “With a bank of Standard Chartered’s stature stepping in, we’re seeing a bridge being built between traditional finance and the volatile world of crypto.” As explored in our recent coverage of Standard Chartered’s launch of Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutions, this move underscores the bank’s pioneering role in the crypto space.
The addition of optional custody services adds another layer of security and convenience, addressing one of the primary barriers institutions face when entering the crypto space: asset safeguarding. Institutions can now entrust their digital holdings to Standard Chartered’s custodian capabilities, sparing them the intricacies and risks of self-custody.
Historical Context and Market Implications
The crypto market has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few years. With Bitcoin’s price soaring to unprecedented heights in late 2021, only to stumble and recover multiple times since then, institutions have been cautiously eyeing the space. Standard Chartered’s latest offering comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide—a factor that has both hindered and spurred innovation. This follows their announcement as the first global bank to offer spot Bitcoin and Ether trading, highlighting their commitment to integrating crypto assets into mainstream finance.
Yet, the bank’s move signals a growing acceptance and integration of crypto assets into the mainstream financial system. “It’s a move that reflects the maturation of the crypto market,” says Dr. Helen Wu, a financial historian at the University of London. “The involvement of established banks like Standard Chartered could stabilize the market, potentially attracting even more institutional interest.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
While this development opens new doors, it also raises questions about the future of cryptocurrency regulation. Will other banks follow suit? What will be the regulatory response? As the dust settles, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications. Standard Chartered’s initiative may push other financial institutions to accelerate their crypto strategies, but the landscape remains fraught with regulatory uncertainties.
Nevertheless, the potential impact on the crypto ecosystem is immense. With institutions having easier access to BTC and ETH, liquidity could improve, potentially leading to more stable prices. However, the reliance on traditional financial institutions also warrants a degree of skepticism among crypto purists who value decentralization above all else.
As we look ahead, one can’t help but wonder whether this integration will indeed lead to a more robust and mature crypto market or if it will dilute the core principles that gave birth to cryptocurrencies in the first place. Either way, Standard Chartered’s move is a significant milestone that underscores the evolving narrative of digital assets in the financial world.
Source
This article is based on: Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Spot BTC, ETH Trading
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
