Core Insights - Standard Chartered has expanded its partnership with OKX to provide a custody solution for institutions in the European Economic Area, allowing them to trade crypto without direct deposits to an exchange [1][6] - The custody service is designed to minimize risk for institutions making large trades, as it secures assets with bank-grade custody [2][4] - The partnership aims to build institutional trust in crypto trading, especially in light of past incidents like the FTX collapse, which have made institutions wary of platform risk [4][6] Group 1 - The custody solution enables institutions to trade crypto while their assets are secured by Standard Chartered, enhancing trust in the trading process [1][6] - The partnership initially launched in the UAE and targets institutions making eight- or nine-figure trades, addressing their concerns about risk exposure [2] - OKX provides liquidity by mirroring crypto deposits on its platforms, ensuring that institutions can trade effectively while their collateral is secured [3] Group 2 - The ability to trade large amounts of crypto without relying on a centralized exchange is appealing to institutions concerned about security [4] - Institutional trust in crypto exchanges has been diminished due to previous hacks and insolvencies, making this new product a significant development [4] - The new custody solution is expected to mitigate risks and restore confidence among institutional investors in the crypto market [4][6]

Morning Minute: Citi Sets Sights on 2026 for Crypto Custody► https://t.co/HjWhz2lU9X https://t.co/HjWhz2lU9X ...

Citi Plans to Launch Crypto Custody Services in 2026: CNBC► https://t.co/3KIqiFjOSr https://t.co/3KIqiFjOSr ...

🚨 CRYPTO CUSTODY: EXCHANGES OR SELF-CUSTODY?Cointelegraph Research + @Trezor want your view. 👇 https://t.co/K55h5BfHiU ...

Core Viewpoint - Coinbase is seeking to expand its services by applying for a national trust company charter, aiming to enhance its custody business while maintaining regulatory clarity and oversight [2][3][4]. Group 1: Expansion Plans - The application for the charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is intended to build on Coinbase's custody business and facilitate the launch of new products, including payments and related services [2][3]. - Coinbase emphasizes that it does not intend to become a bank, focusing instead on innovation within a clear regulatory framework [2][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The company advocates for uniform rules and regulations for the cryptocurrency market, highlighting the ongoing efforts in Congress to establish a clear market structure [4]. - An OCC charter would streamline oversight for new offerings and support the integration of digital assets into traditional finance [4]. Group 3: Market Position - Coinbase holds over 80% of the custody market share for crypto ETFs, indicating a significant role in the institutional adoption of cryptocurrency [5]. - The growth of institutional-grade custody needs is driven by the increasing institutionalization of crypto markets, particularly with the introduction of spot bitcoin ETFs [5][6]. Group 4: Market Impact - The approval of spot-crypto ETFs by the Securities and Exchange Commission has led to explosive growth in the market, with BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust reaching a market capitalization of approximately $90 billion [6].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has indicated it will not take enforcement action against registered investment advisors and crypto fund issuers for using state-chartered trusts to hold digital assets, signaling a shift towards a more accommodating regulatory environment for the crypto industry [1][4]. Group 1: SEC Guidance and Implications - The updated guidance from the SEC's Division of Investment Management allows more organizations, including affiliates of major crypto firms like Coinbase and Ripple, to act as custodians for digital assets [2]. - The SEC's letter clarifies that as long as certain criteria are met, registered advisors and regulated funds can treat state trust companies as banks for the custody of crypto assets and related cash [3]. - This marks a departure from the previous regulatory stance under former Chair Gary Gensler, who aimed to restrict the types of organizations that could hold digital assets [4]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework and Responsibilities - The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 mandates that advisors must maintain client assets with qualified custodians, which crypto advocates have leveraged to broaden crypto initiatives [5]. - Although the SEC's letter does not constitute a formal rule, it emphasizes that advisors must ensure registered trusts are authorized by banking authorities to provide crypto custody services and have adequate policies for asset protection [5]. - Custodial agreements must stipulate that trusts cannot use client funds without consent and that crypto assets will be kept separate from the trust's own assets [6].

Digital asset infrastructure firm BitGo announced that its European subsidiary has received an extended license from Germany’s BaFin, allowing it to offer crypto custody, staking, transfer, and regulated trading services. BitGo had already obtained a MiCA license from BaFin in May 2025. According to Statista, Europe’s crypto market revenue is expected to reach $26 billion in 2025, with Germany leading regional adoption.https://t.co/fOsZMuaLH7 ...

Group 1 - Ripple has entered into an agreement with BBVA to provide institutional-grade digital asset custody technology to support the bank's crypto operations [1][2] - BBVA will utilize Ripple Custody to manage Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) holdings for retail customers in Spain, following the bank's earlier launch of a digital asset trading and custody service [2][8] - The partnership builds on previous collaborations between Ripple and BBVA in Switzerland and Turkey, focusing on real-time cross-border payments [3][8] Group 2 - The establishment of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation (MiCA) has encouraged banks in Europe, including BBVA, to expand their digital asset offerings [4][6] - Other banks in Europe, such as Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered, are also advancing their crypto custody services, indicating a broader trend in the region [5] - Ripple's expanded role with BBVA highlights the integration of crypto services by regulated financial institutions, emphasizing the need for compliance and scalability in a post-MiCA environment [6]

Financial services giant @USBank has restarted its crypto custody operations after pausing the service for years due to regulatory uncertainty. https://t.co/sJl7la3r4N ...

Dig into the Fed guidance on crypto custody and what it means + catch up on a busy day of newshttps://t.co/XojivPZIQW ...