Standard Chartered has been appointed as a digital asset custodian for 21shares, one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange-traded products ( ETPs ).

By leveraging Standard Chartered’s extensive global expertise as a leading international cross-border bank, with a rigorous risk management framework and an innovative digital asset custody offering, 21shares aims to offer institutional investors a broader range of secure and reliable solutions, according to a joint statement.

The collaboration comes as more institutional clients look to participate in the digital asset market, which in turn will contribute to a more mature environment for the adoption of digital assets and digital asset-linked products. 21shares will initially work with Standard Chartered’s newly established digital asset custody service, based in Luxembourg, and registered with The Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier ( CSSF ), providing a secure and compliant platform for the storage of digital assets.

"We are excited to offer our digital asset custody services to ETP providers and other institutions, enabling them to meet the highest standards of safety and compliance,” says Margaret Harwood-Jones, global head of financing and securities services at Standard Chartered. “Working with 21shares as their digital asset custodian allows us to extend our expertise into the fast-evolving digital asset ecosystem and support digital asset-linked products, providing institutional investors with the assurance they require."

Mandy Chiu, global head of product development at 21shares, adds: “Partnering with Standard Chartered marks an important milestone in our continued mission to bring institutional-grade infrastructure to the digital asset ecosystem. As one of the world’s most trusted financial institutions, Standard Chartered brings deep expertise in cross-border banking, risk management, and custody. Their support strengthens our ability to meet the evolving needs of institutional investors, providing compliant and transparent access to the crypto market.”