Abstract：OKX and Standard Chartered expand crypto partnership in Europe, offering secure custody, MiCA compliance, and institutional-grade digital asset trading.
OKX and Standard Chartered Extend Partnership to Europe
Global cryptocurrency exchange OKX has announced the expansion of its partnership with global banking leader Standard Chartered into the European Economic Area (EEA). The move is designed to provide institutional investors across Europe with a secure, compliant, and efficient framework for digital asset trading while ensuring custody of assets remains with Standard Chartered.
This development builds on the firms‘ earlier collaboration in the United Arab Emirates and reinforces OKX’s growing institutional presence in regulated jurisdictions.
Collateral Mirroring: A New Model for Institutional Security
The expanded partnership introduces an innovative structure known as “collateral mirroring.” This model allows institutional clients to hold digital assets securely with Standard Chartered while maintaining a mirrored balance tradable on OKX.
- Reduced Counterparty Risk: Assets remain in custody with a trusted banking institution rather than being transferred directly to an exchange.
- Regulatory Compliance: Standard Chartereds custodial oversight ensures adherence to stringent regulatory standards.
- Market Access: OKX provides deep liquidity, advanced execution tools, and 24/7 global trading access.
This dual-layer structure addresses one of the most pressing concerns for institutional investors: balancing security with efficient market participation.
Alignment with MiCA Regulation
OKX emphasized that the European expansion aligns with its broader strategy to build a MiCA-compliant framework for digital asset services.
The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which recently came into effect in the European Union, sets new standards for:
- Transparency
- Investor protection
- Operational compliance
By partnering with Standard Chartered, OKX positions itself at the intersection of traditional finance and digital asset innovation, offering institutional investors a trustworthy entry point into crypto markets.
Standard Chartereds Role in Digital Asset Growth
For Standard Chartered, the expansion reflects its commitment to supporting the digital asset ecosystem through secure custody and infrastructure partnerships.
- The bank first launched its collateral mirroring framework in April 2025 in collaboration with OKX and asset manager Franklin Templeton.
- The model enables clients to participate in digital asset trading without compromising on security or compliance.
- It provides a foundation for institutional-grade digital finance.
Standard Chartereds head of digital assets noted that the expansion into Europe responds to rising demand among financial institutions for transparent, bank-supported access to cryptocurrency markets.
Institutional Confidence and Market Evolution
The collaboration between OKX and Standard Chartered is expected to enhance institutional confidence in digital asset markets by addressing key concerns around custody, transparency, and regulatory risk.
According to OKX‘s managing director of institutional products, the partnership allows clients to trade efficiently while retaining full control of their assets under Standard Chartered’s protection.
As institutional participation in crypto accelerates globally, partnerships like this highlight the sector‘s shift toward compliance-first growth. By merging OKX’s advanced trading infrastructure with Standard Chartereds custodial services, the two firms are setting new benchmarks for safety, transparency, and regulatory alignment in digital asset trading across Europe.
Europe as a Hub for Regulated Digital Asset Innovation
The expansion positions OKX as a leader among exchanges catering to institutional clients. By combining the liquidity of a top-tier crypto platform with the trust and oversight of a major international bank, the partnership underscores Europes role as a hub for regulated digital asset innovation.
This collaboration marks a defining moment in the evolution of institutional crypto adoption, reinforcing the importance of partnerships that bridge traditional finance and digital assets.
About OKX
OKX is a leading global cryptocurrency exchange providing advanced trading services, deep liquidity, and innovative digital asset solutions. With a focus on compliance, transparency, and institutional-grade infrastructure, OKX serves millions of users worldwide and continues to expand its presence in regulated markets.
About Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group with a strong presence in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The bank is committed to driving innovation in financial services, offering secure custody solutions, and supporting the growth of the digital asset ecosystem through trusted infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
