Standard Chartered expands digital asset custody in Singapore
RWA & Tokenization ·
The bank's Singapore unit will offer institutional custody for select crypto assets, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets.
Standard Chartered's Singapore unit plans to extend its custody offering to institutional investors, covering selected crypto assets, stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets, according to The Block. The move positions the bank to hold digital assets on behalf of institutional clients alongside more conventional holdings, broadening its existing custody business into newer asset categories.
Custody services of this kind let institutional investors store and manage digital assets through a regulated bank rather than relying solely on crypto-native custodians or self-custody arrangements. For asset managers, funds, and other large clients, this can simplify compliance and operational requirements when holding crypto assets, stablecoins, or tokenized versions of real-world assets such as bonds or funds.
Asian Banking and Finance similarly reported that the custody services are aimed specifically at institutional clients in Singapore, reinforcing that the offering is not intended for retail users. The announcement has been covered by four distinct sources, pointing to the plan as a notable step in traditional banks' engagement with digital asset infrastructure in the region.
The expansion fits into a broader pattern of established financial institutions building out services for tokenized assets and stablecoins rather than only cryptocurrencies, treating these as part of a continuum of digital asset types institutional clients may want to hold. Leviathan News has also tracked developments tied to Singapore's digital asset landscape, situating Standard Chartered's move within the city-state's wider push to position itself as a hub for institutional crypto activity.
Not yet detailed is the specific timeline for rollout, which crypto assets will be included under "selected" coverage, or which regulatory approvals in Singapore are required before the services go live. Also unclear is whether Standard Chartered plans to extend similar custody offerings to institutional clients in other markets where it operates. Further announcements from the bank or Singapore regulators would clarify the scope and launch date of the service.