Standard Chartered becomes digital custodian for 21shares: a new era for digital asset security

Standard Chartered, one of the leading international banking groups, has announced its appointment as the digital custodian for 21shares, one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETP). The agreement marks a significant step in the evolution of 21shares’ institutional services, which already offers a wide range of cryptocurrency investment products and robust risk management capabilities.

The collaboration between these two leading entities aims to address the growing demand from institutional investors who wish to participate in the digital asset market in a secure and regulated manner. Thanks to Standard Chartered’s global experience in cross-border banking and its innovative digital custody service, 21shares will be able to offer even more reliable and secure solutions to its institutional clients.

The Importance of Digital Custody for Institutional Investors

In recent years, institutional investors’ interest in the world of cryptocurrencies has grown exponentially. However, security and regulatory compliance remain key elements to promote a broader adoption of digital assets. In this context, digital custody represents a fundamental pillar to ensure the protection of investments and the peace of mind of professional operators.

Standard Chartered has developed a digital custody service based in Luxembourg, registered with the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), which offers a secure and compliant platform for the safekeeping of digital assets. This infrastructure enables 21shares to further strengthen its offering, ensuring institutional clients have transparent and regulated access to the cryptocurrency market.

Statements from the Key Players

Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered, emphasized the importance of this initiative: 

“We are thrilled to offer our digital custody services to ETP providers and other institutions, enabling them to meet the highest standards of security and compliance. Partnering with 21shares as a digital custodian allows us to extend our expertise in the digital asset ecosystem and support products linked to digital assets, providing institutional investors with the assurances they need.”

Mandy Chiu, Global Head of Product Development at 21shares, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership: 

“The collaboration with Standard Chartered marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to bring institutional-grade infrastructure to the digital asset ecosystem. Standard Chartered, among the most reliable financial institutions globally, offers deep expertise in cross-border banking, risk management, and custody. Their support enhances our ability to meet the evolving needs of institutional investors, ensuring compliant and transparent access to the crypto market.”

21shares: Innovation and Accessibility in the World of Crypto ETPs

Founded with the goal of making cryptocurrencies more accessible to investors, 21shares has quickly established itself as one of the leading global providers of crypto ETPs. In 2018, the company launched the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP, building a seven-year track record in creating innovative, simple, and low-cost products, now listed on some of the largest and most liquid international stock exchanges.

The success of 21shares is based on a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep expertise in capital markets. The company is a subsidiary of FalconX, one of the largest prime brokers of digital assets globally, and continues to lead innovation by offering investment solutions that bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance.

Standard Chartered: a Global Leader in Finance and Digital Innovation

With a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets, Standard Chartered stands out for its ability to promote trade and prosperity through diversity and innovation. Listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges, the bank has made security, transparency, and responsibility the pillars of its offering, as demonstrated by its recent expansion into digital custody services.

The choice of Standard Chartered as the digital custodian for 21shares confirms the bank’s intention to be a key player in the digital asset ecosystem, offering institutional clients solutions that adhere to the highest standards of security and compliance.

A Step Forward Towards the Maturity of the Digital Asset Market

The collaboration between Standard Chartered and 21shares represents a significant indicator of the growing maturity of the digital asset market. The entry of leading institutional players and the adoption of regulated custody infrastructures contribute to creating a safer, more transparent, and reliable environment for all operators.

For institutional investors, the ability to access crypto products through regulated platforms and high-level custody services represents a breakthrough, fostering greater trust and broader market participation.

Future Outlook

The agreement between 21shares and Standard Chartered paves the way for new opportunities for the adoption of digital assets by institutional investors. In a context where the demand for secure and regulated solutions is constantly growing, the synergy between technological innovation and banking solidity proves to be the key to the future of the sector.

With the support of Standard Chartered, 21shares will be able to continue developing cutting-edge investment products, contributing to making the digital asset market increasingly accessible, secure, and transparent for all parties involved.