StanChart Provides USDC Access

Standard Chartered says it is now enabling institutional clients to access USDC minting and redemption, through a partnership with, the issuer of USDC through its regulated entities.

The bank says the launch makes it the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) licensed to offer institutional clients integrated access to USDC minting and redemption through a single onboarding and service experience, without requiring clients to hold direct accounts with Circle.

The capability enables institutions to move value across traditional and digital financial ecosystems with greater speed and transparency by connecting fiat banking, digital asset infrastructure and public blockchain networks within a single, bank-led solution. It supports on-chain settlement, treasury, and liquidity management, while providing the infrastructure to support payment-related use cases in the future.

By embedding USDC access directly within Standard Chartered’s institutional offering, the bank says it will bring together banking, custody, and digital asset services within one integrated offering that is delivered through the risk management, compliance and governance standards expected of an international financial institution.

Initially available to eligible clients through Standard Chartered’s DIFC operations, the bank says this move represents the first phase of its broader global stablecoin proposition, and that it intends to expand the capability into additional markets, subject to regulatory approvals and market readiness.

“Digital assets are becoming an increasingly important component of global financial infrastructure, and institutional clients are seeking the same levels of trust and governance that underpin traditional markets,” says Roberto Hoornweg, CEO, Corporate and Investment Banking, Standard Chartered. “With this launch, we are extending those standards into a rapidly evolving segment of the financial system. Ultimately, this is about enabling broader institutional participation in digital asset markets through the frameworks, controls and regulatory oversight that have long supported confidence in global financial markets.”

Kash Razzaghi, chief commercial officer at Circle, adds, “Financial institutions are increasingly looking for trusted ways to access stablecoins and participate in blockchain-enabled financial markets. By integrating Circle’s regulated stablecoin infrastructure into Standard Chartered’s global banking platform, we are helping institutions access new opportunities to use USDC across payments, settlement and treasury operations while maintaining the compliance, governance, and risk management standards they expect.”