Standard Chartered Becomes First G-SIB to Offer Direct USDC Services

Standard Chartered has expanded its digital asset strategy by introducing direct USDC minting and redemption for institutional clients. The move makes the bank the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to provide the service through its own banking platform. Eligible customers can now access regulated stablecoin services without opening separate accounts with Circle.

Consequently, institutions can manage traditional banking and digital assets through one streamlined platform. The launch also highlights rising institutional demand for regulated blockchain infrastructure that supports faster transactions and improved operational efficiency.

Integrated Banking and Stablecoin Services

The new service debuts through Standard Chartered’s Dubai International Financial Centre operations and targets eligible institutional customers. Besides simplifying onboarding, the platform connects fiat banking, digital assets, and public blockchain networks under one system.

Additionally, the bank designed the solution to support treasury management, liquidity operations, and on-chain settlement. It also plans to expand the offering into additional markets after securing regulatory approvals.

Stronger Institutional Digital Asset Access

Roberto Hoornweg, Chief Executive Officer, Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Chartered, said, “Digital assets are becoming an increasingly important component of global financial infrastructure.”

He added that institutional clients expect trusted governance and regulatory oversight when entering digital asset markets. Moreover, the initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading regulated digital asset hub while supporting broader institutional adoption of stablecoins.

Related: Standard Chartered Compares Ethereum Slump to Amazon’s 2001 Crash