Standard Chartered and Coinbase Expand Global Institutional Crypto Partnership

Standard Chartered and Coinbase announced an expanded digital asset partnership on Dec. 12. The companies said they will build institutional crypto rails that connect regulated banking services with exchange infrastructure. They plan to support secure trading and management of digital assets across multiple regions.

Standard Chartered and Coinbase Expand Institutional Crypto Rails 

Standard Chartered (LSE: STAN) and Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) said the updated collaboration targets institutional clients worldwide. The firms want to link bank-grade controls with crypto-native tools. They highlighted security, compliance, and interoperability as core design goals.

Standard Chartered will contribute cross-border trading support and custody capabilities. Coinbase will provide institutional market access and digital-asset technology. Margaret Harwood-Jones leads Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered. She said the firms will pursue solutions that meet strict security and compliance standards. Coinbase Institutional Co-CEO Brett Tejpaul said the partnership will deliver institutional-grade digital asset solutions globally.

The announcement aligns with shifts in how financial markets support digital assets. Institutions now place more weight on governance and oversight. Regulators continue to refine rules across key markets, which affects how firms assess risk. Many institutions prefer providers that combine regulated access with strong operational reliability.

Crypto Partnership Roadmap Includes Trading, Custody, Staking and Lending

The expanded scope covers several institutional crypto services. The companies said they will explore trading services and prime services for large investors. Prime services can include execution support and financing options. They can also support collateral workflows and reporting.

The partners also listed custody as a priority area. Custody plays a central role for institutions that need segregation, audits, and policy controls. A bank-exchange setup can also align crypto custody with familiar risk and compliance programs.

In addition, the roadmap includes staking and lending. Those activities require strong operational controls and clear client disclosures. They also rely on robust risk management around counterparty exposure and asset movements. The companies said they will design offerings that fit institutional requirements in different jurisdictions.

Also Read: Standard Chartered Bets Big on Crypto: $250M Fund to Back DeFi & Blockchain Startups

Singapore SGD Transfer Rails Back Global Institutional Rollout

The partnership builds on an existing arrangement in Singapore. Standard Chartered already provides banking connectivity that enables real-time Singapore Dollar (SGD) transfers for Coinbase customers. That link supports faster funding and more predictable settlement.

The companies described Singapore as a base for broader international growth. They indicated interest in extending similar fiat-to-crypto rails to other markets. Such rails can lower friction for institutions that need efficient cross-border transfers and intraday liquidity.

Institutional demand has increased as digital asset markets mature. Many firms now prioritize compliant custody, operational resilience, and transparent risk controls. Standard Chartered and Coinbase aim to offer institutions a practical path to digital asset participation. They will combine regulated bank infrastructure with a crypto exchange platform.