Standard Chartered Expands Crypto Custody to Singapore in Major Institutional Push

Standard Chartered announced on Wednesday that it will expand its institutional cryptocurrency and real-world asset (RWA) custody services to Singapore. The bank will offer the service to institutions and accredited corporate investors, subject to regulatory requirements in the city-state.

The move builds on Standard Chartered's existing crypto custody operations, which currently serve clients in the UK and Europe. The bank has been a prominent player in the digital asset space, partnering with regulators and launching ventures such as Zodia Custody. Singapore has emerged as a hub for crypto innovation, with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) establishing a clear regulatory framework for digital asset service providers.

The expansion underscores the growing institutional demand for secure custody solutions for digital assets and tokenized real-world assets. It also highlights Singapore's attractiveness as a jurisdiction for regulated crypto activities. The service is expected to launch in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals. Industry observers will watch closely to see how Standard Chartered's move influences other global banks considering similar offerings in Asia.