Standard Chartered has announced the establishment of a new entity in Luxembourg following its acquisition of permission to provide digital asset custody services in the European Union. This initiative aims to align with the regulatory changes in Europe’s digital asset markets, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to compliance and security.
Regulatory Compliance
As the 45th largest bank in the world, Standard Chartered is creating this new structure in Luxembourg to comply with the evolving regulations in the digital asset sector. The new entity will offer custody services for cryptocurrencies and digital assets under the MiCA regulations, ensuring adherence to European standards.
Leadership Team
Laurent Marochini, the former head of innovation at European banking giant Société Générale, has been appointed as the CEO of the new Luxembourg entity. With his extensive experience in the digital asset field, Marochini is set to guide the bank’s developments in this area.
Last September, Standard Chartered also launched digital asset custody services in the United Arab Emirates, having received approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The initial client for these services is hedge fund management firm Brevan Howard Digital, which will start with support for Bitcoin $94,652 and Ethereum $3,289.
Margaret Harwood-Jones, Head of Global Financing and Securities Services, expressed excitement about the opportunity to offer digital asset custody services in the EU, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to providing a regulated and secure environment for clients.
This strategic move by Standard Chartered solidifies its leadership in financial technology while aiming to offer a broader range of services to clients. The new structure is expected to facilitate easier access to the digital asset ecosystem across Europe, strengthening the position of digital assets in the financial sector.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.