Standard Chartered has officially entered the European cryptocurrency market by establishing a new presence in Luxembourg, following the acquisition of a digital asset license from the country’s financial regulator. This strategic move positions the UK-based multinational bank to offer regulated crypto custody and digital asset services across the European Union.
As one of the first major global banks to proactively engage with blockchain and digital assets, Standard Chartered continues to strengthen its footprint in the institutional crypto space. The Luxembourg entity will serve as a regulatory gateway for the bank's broader EU operations, enabling compliant access to digital assets for institutional clients throughout the region.
A Regulatory-Driven Expansion
The timing of this launch aligns closely with the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation — a landmark framework that sets comprehensive rules for crypto activities across the EU. MiCA provides legal clarity and standardized oversight, making it easier for regulated financial institutions like Standard Chartered to roll out compliant digital asset services.
With MiCA now in effect, banks and fintech firms can operate across EU member states under a single license, significantly reducing regulatory fragmentation. Standard Chartered’s choice of Luxembourg as its European hub reflects the country’s reputation as a forward-thinking financial center with strong regulatory infrastructure and deep expertise in asset management.
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Leadership and Operational Focus
Laurent Marochini, a former executive at Société Générale, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Luxembourg operation. His experience in traditional finance and digital innovation makes him well-suited to lead the integration of crypto services within a regulated banking environment.
At launch, the service will support custody solutions for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with plans to expand to additional digital assets later in 2025. The core focus is on secure storage and protection of digital assets, backed by the bank’s robust risk capital and balance sheet strength — a key differentiator in an industry where security remains a top concern for institutional investors.
Standard Chartered emphasizes that all custodied assets will be safeguarded using institutional-grade protocols, including cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and advanced cybersecurity frameworks. This level of assurance is critical for asset managers, family offices, and corporate treasuries looking to gain exposure to crypto without compromising on safety or compliance.
Part of a Global Digital Asset Strategy
The Luxembourg launch is not an isolated initiative but part of Standard Chartered’s broader global strategy to become a trusted bridge between traditional finance and the digital asset economy.
In April 2024, the bank launched crypto custody services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering institutional clients access to Bitcoin and Ethereum through its Dubai-based entity. That move signaled its intent to cater to growing demand in the Middle East, a region increasingly embracing blockchain innovation.
Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Capital Markets at Standard Chartered, stated: “We are proud to pave the way for our institutional clients to enter the digital asset ecosystem.” She added that the bank is committed to supporting clients across the full spectrum of digital asset needs — from access and custody to tokenization and interoperability.
This phased international rollout demonstrates a deliberate, compliance-first approach. Rather than rushing into unregulated markets, Standard Chartered is building licensed entities in jurisdictions with clear regulatory frameworks — ensuring long-term sustainability and client trust.
Building Toward Full-Service Crypto Infrastructure
While custody is the initial offering, Standard Chartered has long-term ambitions that go beyond secure storage. According to reports from Bloomberg, the bank plans to develop a dedicated cryptocurrency trading service by mid-2025. This trading arm is expected to be integrated into its foreign exchange (FX) division and operated out of London.
Integrating crypto trading within the FX desk highlights the bank’s view of digital assets as an emerging asset class within global markets infrastructure. It also suggests that Bitcoin and Ethereum may increasingly be treated similarly to traditional currencies in terms of execution, settlement, and risk management.
Furthermore, Standard Chartered has been exploring the possibility of launching a European cryptocurrency exchange as early as 2021, indicating sustained strategic interest in expanding its role across multiple layers of the crypto value chain.
Industry Collaboration and Thought Leadership
Beyond internal development, Standard Chartered has actively participated in shaping the future of digital finance through collaboration. In 2021, it joined a consortium of banks and fintech firms alongside industry leaders such as Coinbase, Huobi, and SIX Digital Exchange. The alliance aims to promote best practices in crypto trading, custody, and regulatory compliance.
These partnerships help ensure that emerging digital asset services meet high standards for transparency, security, and operational resilience — essential qualities for gaining institutional adoption.
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Core Keywords
- Standard Chartered
- Luxembourg
- crypto custody
- digital asset services
- MiCA regulation
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- institutional crypto
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did Standard Chartered choose Luxembourg for its European crypto expansion?
A: Luxembourg offers a stable regulatory environment, strong financial infrastructure, and serves as a strategic gateway to the EU market under MiCA regulations. Its reputation as a leading fund domicile makes it ideal for institutional-grade digital asset services.
Q: What cryptocurrencies does Standard Chartered support in its custody offering?
A: At launch, the bank supports Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with plans to add more digital assets by late 2025.
Q: Is Standard Chartered offering retail crypto services in Europe?
A: No — the current services are designed exclusively for institutional clients, including asset managers, corporations, and financial intermediaries.
Q: Will Standard Chartered launch its own cryptocurrency or stablecoin?
A: There has been no official announcement about issuing a proprietary cryptocurrency. However, the bank has shown interest in tokenized assets and digital settlement solutions.
Q: How does Standard Chartered ensure the security of custodied crypto assets?
A: The bank employs cold storage, multi-signature wallets, advanced encryption, and regular audits — all backed by its balance sheet and adherence to strict regulatory standards.
Q: What is MiCA and why is it important for banks like Standard Chartered?
A: MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is the EU’s comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets. It provides legal clarity and harmonized rules across member states, enabling banks to offer compliant cross-border crypto services.
👉 Explore how MiCA is transforming Europe’s digital finance landscape.