In a groundbreaking move, Standard Chartered, a leading global bank, has launched a spot trading service for Bitcoin and Ethereum, targeting institutional and corporate clients. This marks a significant step in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems, as the bank becomes one of the first major institutions to offer such a service through its UK branch.
The initiative, announced recently, aims to meet the growing demand for digital assets among institutional investors. By leveraging its existing foreign exchange infrastructure, Standard Chartered ensures a regulated and secure trading environment, providing clients with confidence in their crypto transactions.
According to reports, the bank’s move is part of a broader strategy to expand its digital asset offerings. The institutional crypto platform will facilitate spot trading, allowing clients to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum directly, a service tailored to meet the needs of large-scale investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies.
Geoffrey Kendrick, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets Research, has expressed optimism about the future of Bitcoin, predicting a price surge to $135,000 by Q3 2025. This bullish outlook underscores the bank’s confidence in the long-term potential of digital currencies.
This development comes at a time when regulatory focus on cryptocurrencies is intensifying, particularly in markets like the U.S. Standard Chartered’s commitment to compliance and deliverable trading positions it as a trusted partner for institutions navigating the evolving crypto landscape.
As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, Standard Chartered’s entry into spot trading could pave the way for other global banks to follow suit. This move not only bridges the gap between traditional finance and digital assets but also signals a new era of financial innovation.
Alfred Lee
