The bank becomes the first globally systemic institution to offer integrated USDC access without requiring separate Circle accounts.
Standard Chartered has launched a service allowing institutional clients to mint and redeem USDC directly through the bank, eliminating the need for separate accounts with Circle Internet Group. The move positions the bank as the first Global Systemically Important Bank to provide such integrated access, streamlining onboarding and operations for clients.
The service connects traditional fiat banking with digital asset infrastructure and public blockchains, targeting use cases like on-chain settlement, treasury operations, and liquidity management. Payment applications are expected to follow. Standard Chartered, one of 30 banks subject to heightened regulatory oversight, aims to bridge mainstream finance with blockchain-enabled markets.
Circle, the issuer of USDC, collaborated on the offering, which is designed to enhance speed and transparency for institutional clients moving value across financial ecosystems. The bank emphasized demand for trusted stablecoin access in blockchain-based markets.