Standard Chartered’s Bold Move: Pioneering Spot Trading in Crypto
On July 15, 2025, Standard Chartered made headlines by introducing spot trading services for Bitcoin and Ethereum. This landmark move makes them the primary major global bank to supply direct access to those digital assets via a regulated platform. It’s a giant win for the bank, but what does it mean for the common investor? And can established crypto wallets or exchanges sustain?
Details of the Offering
Based within the UK, this recent service is tailored for institutional clients, including asset managers, skilled traders, and company treasuries. Clients can now trade BTC/USD and ETH/USD pairs using Standard Chartered’s existing foreign exchange platforms. Unlike derivatives, spot trading involves the direct buying or selling of digital assets, with immediate settlement and transfer of ownership.
The bank offers the pliability to either use their in-house custody solution or go for a third-party provider like Zodia Custody, which they co-own. Initially, trading shall be available during Asia and European market hours, with plans to expand as demand grows.
A Broader Strategy
Standard Chartered’s move is an element of a bigger digital asset strategy. In 2024, they rolled out custody services within the UAE and Luxembourg, aligning with evolving crypto regulations just like the EU’s MiCA. They’ve also backed the event of Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, platforms aimed toward institutional clients. Looking ahead, the bank plans to introduce non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) for digital assets, offering synthetic exposure without direct ownership.
Market Context
The timing of Standard Chartered’s announcement couldn’t be higher, coming as regulatory clarity improves in key markets. In the U.S., recent legislative efforts aim to determine clearer rules around crypto custody, trading, and stablecoins. While institutional clients might prefer the safety of regulated custodians, many retail investors still favor holding their private keys in their very own wallets. This duality reflects a maturing crypto landscape where self-custody and institutional solutions coexist.
Who Will Follow Next?
As the primary global systemically essential bank to supply regulated spot trading in Bitcoin and Ethereum, Standard Chartered sets a precedent. Their long-standing involvement in crypto markets, highlighted by daring predictions like Bitcoin reaching $500,000, positions them as a frontrunner. This step might encourage other major banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Citi, who’re increasingly thinking about digital assets, to supply similar services.
A Balanced Future: Institutional and Self-Custody Options
This development illustrates the growing convergence of traditional finance and digital assets, underpinned by regulatory compliance and robust infrastructure. While institutional-grade custody solutions offer convenience, the autonomy of self-custody stays appealing to many investors. The crypto ecosystem is evolving, offering more selections and suppleness than ever before.
Top Crypto Wallets to Consider Now
Standard Chartered’s foray into crypto trading highlights a shift within the landscape, intensifying the competition between custodial and non-custodial solutions. Retail investors proceed to lean towards self-custody for the autonomy it provides. Leading the charge on this space is Best Wallet, a secure, multichain wallet for many who value control over their assets.
Best Wallet prioritizes security, using advanced tools like Fireblocks to protect against phishing attacks. It’s not nearly security, though. Best Wallet offers a comprehensive suite of trading tools, including cross-chain swaps, fiat on-ramps, staking, iGaming, and a token launchpad. It’s a one-stop-shop for crypto enthusiasts.
With no KYC checks or email sign-ups, Best Wallet ensures user privacy and data security. This combination of features makes it a robust contender for one of the best self-custody wallet in 2025.
Download Best Wallet
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