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渣打银行推出比特币数字资产托管服务

In a landmark move signaling deeper institutional adoption of digital assets, Standard Chartered Bank has officially launched its digital asset custody service, beginning with operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development marks a pivotal step in the convergence of traditional finance and blockchain-based financial infrastructure, positioning one of the world’s most established banks at the forefront of the digital asset revolution.

The service, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), initially supports Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) — the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. This launch not only underscores Standard Chartered’s confidence in the long-term viability of digital assets but also reflects a growing recognition among global financial institutions that crypto custody is no longer optional — it's essential.

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Strategic Expansion in a Regulated Environment

Standard Chartered chose Dubai as its launchpad due to the region’s balanced approach to digital asset regulation and innovation. The UAE has emerged as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, combining progressive regulatory frameworks with strong financial infrastructure — making it an ideal testing ground for new fintech services.

This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2023, paving the way for regulatory approval. By securing a license under DFSA’s rigorous standards, Standard Chartered ensures its custody offering meets international compliance benchmarks, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols.

The bank’s digital asset strategy isn’t limited to Dubai. It previously explored expanding through Zodiac Custody, its joint venture focused on managing digital and crypto assets for institutional clients. Pilot programs were launched in Ireland, targeting European institutional investors, while plans were also underway to enter Hong Kong, where discussions with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) aimed at ensuring full regulatory alignment.

Why Digital Asset Custody Matters

Unlike traditional asset custody, where physical or book-entry securities are held, digital asset custody revolves around safeguarding private keys — cryptographic credentials that grant control over blockchain-based assets.

If a private key is lost or compromised, access to the associated funds is permanently lost. This makes secure key management the cornerstone of any credible custody solution.

“We firmly believe digital assets are not a passing trend, but a fundamental transformation of the financial landscape,” said Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered.

By launching this service, the bank aims to bridge the gap between conventional finance and the emerging digital economy, leveraging its decades-long expertise in global custody, risk management, and cross-border settlements.

First Client Onboarded: Brevan Howard Digital

The bank has confirmed that Brevan Howard Digital, the cryptocurrency arm of global macro-focused investment manager Brevan Howard, is its first institutional client. This partnership validates the demand from sophisticated investors seeking regulated, secure access to digital assets.

Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Transaction Banking at Standard Chartered, emphasized that the service goes beyond basic wallet functionality.

“Our product is a comprehensive solution designed to address the unique challenges of digital asset custody from regulatory, risk, and prudential perspectives.”

For institutional investors, this means reduced operational complexity, enhanced security, and peace of mind knowing their assets are held under a licensed, auditable framework.

Key Benefits of Professional Digital Asset Custody

1. Lower Risk and Operational Complexity

Self-custodying digital assets requires technical expertise, constant vigilance, and robust infrastructure — barriers that deter many institutional players. A professional custodian removes these hurdles, enabling seamless integration into existing investment portfolios regardless of asset size.

2. Enhanced Security Through Institutional-Grade Protection

Digital assets face persistent threats from hackers, phishing attacks, and system vulnerabilities. Licensed custodians employ advanced security measures such as multi-party computation (MPC), hardware security modules (HSMs), air-gapped storage, and geographically distributed key fragmentation to mitigate risks.

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3. Legal Recourse and Insurance Coverage

When individuals or unlicensed entities hold assets, there’s often no recourse in case of theft or loss. In contrast, regulated custodians can offer legal accountability and typically partner with reputable insurers to cover digital asset holdings — providing investors with greater confidence and value protection.

4. Safer Than Exchange Storage

Holding crypto on exchanges exposes users to counterparty risk. Exchanges have historically been targets for cyberattacks and are vulnerable to insolvency or regulatory shutdowns. Custody services eliminate this exposure by removing reliance on third-party trading platforms for long-term storage.

5. Operational Efficiency and Market Accessibility

Institutional investors don’t need to build in-house blockchain expertise. Custodians handle the technical complexities — from key generation and transaction signing to compliance reporting — allowing firms to focus on strategy rather than infrastructure.

Future Roadmap: Expanding Assets and Geographies

Standard Chartered has stated its intention to expand the range of supported digital assets beyond BTC and ETH. While specific tokens haven’t been named, potential additions could include stablecoins, tokenized securities, or other regulated digital instruments aligned with institutional demand.

The bank is also evaluating opportunities to roll out its custody platform in other major financial hubs, including Singapore, London, and New York — jurisdictions where regulatory clarity is improving and institutional appetite remains high.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is digital asset custody?
A: Digital asset custody refers to the secure storage and management of private keys that control access to cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based assets. It enables institutions to protect their investments while complying with regulatory requirements.

Q: Why is Standard Chartered entering crypto custody now?
A: Rising institutional interest in digital assets — driven by innovations like tokenization, DeFi, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) — has created demand for trusted custodial solutions. As a global bank with deep capital markets experience, Standard Chartered is well-positioned to meet this need securely.

Q: Is Bitcoin custody safe with traditional banks?
A: Yes — when provided by licensed institutions like Standard Chartered, Bitcoin custody adheres to strict regulatory standards, employs advanced cybersecurity protocols, and often includes insurance coverage, making it significantly safer than self-custody or exchange storage.

Q: Can individual investors use this service?
A: Currently, the service is targeted at institutional clients, including hedge funds, asset managers, and family offices. Retail access may come in later phases as the ecosystem matures.

Q: How does this impact the broader crypto market?
A: Bank-backed custody increases legitimacy and reduces barriers for large-scale investment. It encourages more conservative investors — such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds — to consider allocating capital to digital assets.

Q: What makes Standard Chartered different from other custodians?
A: Unlike pure-play crypto firms, Standard Chartered brings decades of experience in cross-border finance, regulatory compliance, and global client relationships — offering a trusted bridge between legacy finance and Web3 innovation.

👉 See how financial leaders are building the future of asset management with secure custody platforms.

Conclusion

Standard Chartered’s entry into digital asset custody represents more than just a new product launch — it's a strategic affirmation of blockchain’s role in reshaping global finance. With initial support for Bitcoin and Ethereum in Dubai, backed by full regulatory licensing and institutional-grade security, the bank has laid a solid foundation for broader expansion.

As digital assets continue gaining traction across capital markets, services like these will be critical in driving mainstream adoption — ensuring safety, compliance, and scalability for tomorrow’s financial ecosystem.

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