November 07, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
Standard Chartered is preparing to launch a cryptocurrency custody service in Hong Kong by January 2026, marking another strategic expansion of its digital asset infrastructure offerings across global markets. The move underscores the bank’s growing confidence in institutional demand for secure crypto asset storage and highlights Hong Kong’s strengthening position as a regulated digital asset hub.
The announcement was made during Hong Kong FinTech Week, where the bank confirmed that the upcoming platform will initially support custody for major digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The service is aimed at institutional investors, asset managers, and financial firms seeking regulated custody solutions rather than retail customers.
This upcoming launch follows a series of similar rollouts by Standard Chartered in other jurisdictions. The bank introduced its digital asset custody solution in the UAE in September 2024, onboarding Brevan Howard Digital as its first client. It later expanded into Luxembourg in January 2025, targeting European institutional investors. These developments reflect the bank’s long-term strategy of building a global custody network to support the next phase of institutional crypto adoption.
In July 2025, Standard Chartered became the first global systemically important bank to introduce spot cryptocurrency trading services. The bank has also played a major role in the development of institutional crypto custody through Zodia Custody, a venture co-incubated with Northern Trust. Zodia has since attracted backing from major international banks, including SBI Holdings in Japan, National Australia Bank and Emirates NBD, strengthening its global reach and credibility.
The focus on Hong Kong is strategic. In recent years, Hong Kong regulators have worked to establish a clear licensing framework for digital asset exchanges and service providers, aiming to position the city as a compliant and innovation-friendly crypto hub in Asia. Standard Chartered already maintains relationships with major crypto market participants in the region, including providing custody for assets mirrored on exchange platforms and delivering banking and foreign exchange services to digital asset financial firms.
As the launch date approaches, market observers will be watching for further information about security frameworks, storage methodologies, and regulatory approval specifics. The introduction of a regulated custody service by a global bank is seen as a potential catalyst for greater institutional participation in crypto trading and investment within Asia.
Standard Chartered’s move reinforces the view that digital assets are transitioning steadily into the mainstream financial system, supported by established institutions rather than operating solely at the market’s periphery.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
