Standard Chartered (LSE:STAN) has launched spot trading services for bitcoin and ether at its U.K. division, focusing on institutional investors amid rising demand for cryptocurrency exposure.

The bank revealed on Tuesday that it is the first global systemically important bank to deliver secure, regulated, and scalable access to spot trading of bitcoin and ether with physical settlement.

Institutional participants—including corporations, investors, and asset managers—can now trade these digital currencies through familiar foreign exchange platforms.

Additionally, Standard Chartered intends to roll out non-deliverable forwards trading shortly, as stated by the bank.

Chief Executive Bill Winters commented, “As client demand accelerates further, we want to offer clients a route to transact, trade and manage digital asset risk safely and efficiently within regulatory requirements.”

This launch marks a broadening of Standard Chartered’s digital asset services, reflecting financial institutions’ response to growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.