Standard Chartered Bank, in collaboration with Circle, has launched USDC subscription and redemption services for institutional clients. Initially available through Standard Chartered’s branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre, the service aims to integrate the traditional fiat banking system, blockchain networks, and digital asset infrastructure into a unified institutional banking process.
No need to open a Circle account directly
This service enables institutional clients to use USDC without directly opening a Circle account. The integration is embedded within Standard Chartered’s existing institutional banking infrastructure, allowing clients to access the service through a unified account opening and maintenance process.
Standard Chartered positions this solution as a stablecoin access service within a banking environment, emphasizing alignment with compliance, governance, and risk management requirements consistent with traditional banking standards.
Cover settlement and fund management scenarios
According to Standard Chartered’s disclosure, the platform integrates fiat accounts, on-chain networks, and digital asset capabilities into a single system, enabling institutions to easily move funds between traditional finance and digital asset markets.
- Supports on-chain settlement
- Support for corporate fund management
- Supports liquidity management
Standard Chartered also stated that it will expand its services to include a broader range of payment functionalities based on market demand.
Phase one will be launched in Dubai
This service is initially available to eligible customers through the branch located in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Standard Chartered stated that this arrangement will further strengthen the UAE’s position as a regulated digital assets hub.
Standard Chartered views this launch as the first step in a broader international expansion. Whether it enters additional markets in the future will depend on local regulatory approvals and market readiness.
Institutional demand drives integration
This partnership also reflects growing demand from businesses and financial institutions for compliant, stablecoin infrastructure. Stablecoins are increasingly being used for payments, settlement, liquidity management, and participation in digital asset markets.
Roberto Hornweg, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Chartered, said that digital assets are gradually becoming part of the global financial infrastructure, and institutional clients also seek similar levels of trust and governance standards in this space as they do in traditional banking.
Circle’s Chief Business Officer, Kash Razzaghi, said institutions are seeking more reliable and compliant ways to use stablecoins. By integrating regulated infrastructure with established banking platforms, institutions can use USDC for payments, settlements, and treasury operations while meeting compliance requirements.