渣打银行以新加密资产托管举措瞄准新加坡市场

Key Insights

Standard Chartered Bank plans to launch an institutional crypto asset custody service in Singapore. The service covers selected cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets. The expansion follows Standard Chartered Bank's plan to acquire Zodia Custody and broader institutional partnerships.

Standard Chartered Bank announces Singapore crypto custody plan

Standard Chartered Bank announced on October 8 that it plans to introduce institutional-level crypto asset custody services in Singapore. The bank aims to serve institutional investors seeking regulated digital asset custody and services. The proposed services still need to comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

The expansion will extend the bank's existing digital asset business in major financial centers. It also connects traditional securities services with cryptocurrency custody and tokenized asset infrastructure.

Standard Chartered Bank expands crypto custody services in Singapore

In its official announcement, the bank outlined plans to protect selected cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets. Eligible clients will consist of institutional clients and corporate clients who are qualified investors. However, the bank did not specify the specific types of cryptocurrencies supported by its proposed services.

Standard Chartered Bank targets crypto custody expansion in Singapore

This offer will supplement its existing financing and securities services business in Singapore. The division provides traditional institutional asset services, which the bank intends to expand into the digital asset space. The proposed arrangement connects asset custody with tokenization and other institutional financial services.

Patrick Lee, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Singapore, ASEAN and South Asia, discussed the expansion. He pointed out that Singapore's institutional financial sector and the demand for trusted digital asset services are important factors.

Lee also highlighted the infrastructure that supports the safe flow and custody of tokenized assets. His remarks positioned the proposed service to focus on institutional needs rather than directly targeting retail cryptocurrency exposure.

Meanwhile, Ole Matthiessen, global head of transaction services and digital assets, outlined the bank's institutional strategy. He described regulated custody as the basis for broader participation in the digital asset market.

However, the announcement did not disclose custody fees, specific assets supported or commercial launch dates. These details remain critical for agencies evaluating proposed services.

Standard Chartered Bank builds on the Zodia Custody acquisition plan

Singapore's expansion follows the bank's previous efforts to integrate its institutional digital asset business. On May 18, the bank announced that Zodia Custody's shareholders and noteholders had accepted its non-binding takeover offer. The proposed transaction still requires regulatory approval and meets regular delivery conditions.

Under the arrangement, Zodia Custody's regulated operations will join the bank's financing and securities services businesses. This integration will centralize institutional custody activities within its existing banking structure.

At the same time, Zodia Solutions will operate independently as a digital asset infrastructure provider under SC Ventures. The business will support financial institutions developing digital asset services through its technology infrastructure.

The bank's May 2026 investor presentation outlined broader ambitions in digital asset trading, custody and tokenization.

The presentation identifies institutional Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions, as well as existing digital asset custody capabilities. It also describes tokenized securities, exchange-traded fund access, and collateral management initiatives.

These activities demonstrate a strategy to connect cryptocurrency transactions with traditional financial market infrastructure. Custody is an integral part of this broader institutional service model.

Standard Chartered Bank expands existing digital asset operations

Standard Chartered Bank already operates digital asset custody operations in the United Arab Emirates, Luxembourg and Hong Kong.

On May 27, it announced that it would provide institutional custody support for SOLOWIN Holdings in Hong Kong. The arrangement involves the custody of crypto assets through infrastructure provided by global systemically important banks.

In addition, Standard Chartered Bank expanded its institutional custody partnership with LMAX Group in September. The arrangement connects its custody infrastructure with institutional transaction services in Luxembourg and Dubai.

These developments precede its proposed Singapore launch and expand its institutional presence in multiple jurisdictions. However, the bank has not disclosed its expected Singapore custody volume or revenue contribution.

planned service could also help institutions manage tokenized assets alongside conventional investment holdings. Its commercial impact will depend on regulatory permissions, supported assets, and client adoption.

加密托管计划面临新加坡的监管框架

新加坡金融管理局（MAS）根据《支付服务法案》维持对数字支付代币服务的监管要求。

监管机构也继续制定管理稳定币发行及相关保障措施的规定。

9月1日，MAS发布了实施其单一货币稳定币监管框架的提案。这些提案解决了发行人许可、资产保障和金融稳定性要求。

MAS还提出了在可比监管框架下承认某些外国发行稳定币的条件。这些提案涉及稳定币发行人，并不独立授权银行的拟议托管业务。

监管机构的咨询将于2026年10月16日结束。此外，该行的下一个商业里程碑仍然是确认其新加坡托管发布时间表和适用的监管批准。