Standard Chartered and B2C2 have announced a strategic partnership to enhance institutional access to cryptocurrency markets. The collaboration integrates the bank's global infrastructure with the liquidity provider's digital asset services. This move aims to streamline regulated trading for asset managers and other investors.
Standard Chartered, a major global bank, and B2C2, a provider of institutional liquidity for digital assets, revealed their partnership on February 11, 2026. The agreement focuses on offering institutional clients—such as asset managers, hedge funds, corporates, and family offices—direct connectivity to Standard Chartered's banking network and settlement services. B2C2 will supply liquidity for spot and options trading in cryptocurrencies.
The partnership seeks to combine regulated banking with high-quality crypto liquidity, creating a more efficient pathway for fiat-to-crypto transactions. It supports faster settlements and better oversight for managing both traditional and digital assets. This development aligns with growing institutional interest in digital assets, especially in Asia, where Standard Chartered maintains a strong presence alongside Europe and the Middle East.
Luke Boland, Head of Fintech, Asia, at Standard Chartered, highlighted the benefits, stating that the collaboration enables “regulated, scalable market linkage without compromising execution or risk management.” Thomas Restout, Group CEO of B2C2, described Standard Chartered as “an ideal strategic counterpart” due to its global reach and regulatory standing, which helps expand access to digital markets.
This initiative builds on Standard Chartered's earlier efforts in the crypto space. In May 2025, the bank outlined plans to broaden its regulated digital asset services for institutions. More recently, it introduced spot Bitcoin trading via its UK branch, linking it to existing foreign exchange platforms for flexible settlement and custody options.
By bridging traditional finance and digital assets, the partnership positions both firms to facilitate institutional participation in the evolving crypto landscape.
