Standard Chartered connects its global payments network with its B2C2 trading platform, bridging the gap between traditional banking and the cryptocurrency market for institutional clients.
Standard Chartered is stepping up its efforts to integrate digital currencies into its conventional banking operations with a strategic partnership with B2C2, a company that provides bitcoin trading services to large investors. This move, announced this week, comes as the global cryptocurrency market capitalization has been volatile, peaking above $4 trillion at the end of 2025 before declining and stabilizing around $2.4 trillion by mid-February 2026.
The two companies said they wanted to solve a major problem for large investors: the difficulty in moving funds between traditional banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. The agreement creates a direct connection between a leading international bank and a cryptocurrency trading business, allowing B2C2 clients, including businesses, hedge funds, asset management firms, and wealthy families, direct access to Standard Chartered's global banking network and clearing system.
Timing is XEM crucial in the context of significant regulatory changes in 2025. The UK has made great progress in developing legislation on crypto assets, while the European Union is deploying MiCAR standards, forcing banks to begin trading crypto assets instead of just discussing them.
Connecting Asian markets with global banking infrastructure.
This transaction combines B2C2's liquidation provision capabilities for both spot and options cryptocurrency trading markets with Standard Chartered's banking expertise. According to the Global Crypto Adoption Index 2025, the Asia Pacific region recorded the fastest growth in blockchain activity, with total transaction value reaching nearly $2.36 trillion, a 69% increase year-on-year.
Luke Boland, Head of Fintech Asia at Standard Chartered, said the partnership provides regulated, scalable market connectivity without compromising order matching quality or risk management. Thomas Restout, top executive of B2C2, highlighted Standard Chartered's global presence and strong compliance position, calling the bank an ideal strategic partner to support a wider range of institutional investors in participating in the digital markets.
This assessment aligns with B2C2's recent operational improvements, including achieving SOC 2 certification by the end of 2025, demonstrating the company's compliance with the stringent requirements set by leading financial institutions. The new agreement allows B2C2 clients to leverage Standard Chartered's banking network across multiple countries, meaning institutional investors can handle both fiat and crypto assets more conveniently under enhanced oversight.
The groundwork for this agreement had been laid months in advance. Standard Chartered announced in July 2025 that it would expand its managed crypto asset services for institutional clients, beginning with offering spot Bitcoin trading through its UK branch.
Trading is integrated into existing forex platforms, offering a wide range of clearing and asset storage options, allowing traders to work with Bitcoin and Ethereum in a familiar way similar to how they trade USD, euro, and Japanese yen.
Standard Chartered was also recently appointed as the custodian for 21Shares, forming a relatively complete service package that traditional fund managers find attractive. This partnership reflects a shift in how crypto assets are handled at the core of global finance, making it easier for institutions to navigate between the traditional banking system and the emerging crypto market.
