Standard Chartered to Launch $850B Crypto Prime Brokerage
Standard Chartered is preparing to expand into cryptocurrency trading through a prime brokerage offering, targeting institutional clients that need custody, execution and risk management services. The London-based bank, which oversees roughly $850 billion in assets, says the move is intended to give asset managers and other institutions regulated, bank-grade access to crypto markets.
The push matters because a major global bank entering prime services can accelerate institutional adoption by bundling compliance, custody and credit facilities that many market participants still seek. It also adds competitive pressure on specialist crypto prime brokers and custodians and could bring more liquidity and professionalization to trading venues. Market watchers will be looking for details on productscope, partnerships and timing to assess how quickly Standard Chartered can convert its balance-sheet scale into differentiated institutional crypto services.