Standard Chartered and OKX Expand Crypto Custody Partnership to EU: A Milestone for Regulated DeFi in 2025

In a landmark development for the cryptocurrency sector, Standard Chartered has extended its partnership with OKX to the European Union (EU), making it the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to integrate direct crypto exchange collaboration in the region. Announced on October 16, 2025, this expansion builds on a UAE-launched initiative from April 2025, enabling institutional clients to trade on OKX while utilizing Standard Chartered’s regulated custody services. Under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, the deal combines bank-grade security with exchange liquidity, reducing counterparty risks and fostering compliant access to digital assets. As DeFi TVL exceeds $150 billion amid 2025’s volatility, this move signals maturing institutional infrastructure, potentially unlocking billions in European capital for blockchain trading and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs).

Partnership Details: Hybrid Custody for Institutional Traders

The collaboration introduces safeguarded collateral mirroring, allowing seamless asset management without transfers between platforms. Institutions can hold assets securely with Standard Chartered while executing trades on OKX, ensuring high compliance standards. OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos stated: “This expansion highlights Standard Chartered’s confidence as the first and only G-SIB to work directly with a crypto exchange [and] the growing trust of regulators in this model.” Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered, added: “Combining the bank’s custody infrastructure with OKX’s regulatory framework means ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance for institutional clients in Europe.”

OKX’s efforts include securing local licenses, hiring over 500 compliance experts, and establishing offices staffed by banking and law enforcement veterans. CEO Star Xu emphasized: “Building transparency, compliance, and trust takes years of real work — local licenses, 500+ compliance professionals, partnerships with global banks like Standard Chartered. This is how crypto grows up.” Chief Marketing Officer Haider Rafique noted the shift “from offshore to onshore,” enhancing regulatory collaboration.

EU Regulatory Context and Implications for DeFi

The timing aligns with MiCA’s promotion of hybrid custody models, blending traditional finance with digital assets. Recent U.S. enforcement against illicit activities, like the Huione Group’s billions in fraud, underscores the need for compliant operations—OKX has distanced itself, reaffirming internal controls. For DeFi in 2025, this partnership reduces risks in trading and custody, accelerating institutional adoption. It could expand Europe’s crypto market, with projections of $40 billion+ in TVL from regulated inflows, supporting cross-border payments and RWA tokenization.

• Key Benefits: Reduced counterparty risk; seamless liquidity for institutions.
• Market Impact: Potential 20-30% EU DeFi growth; aligns with GENIUS Act trends.
• Investment Angle: Attracts hedge funds; enhances OKX’s 100M+ user base.

2025 Outlook: Bridging TradFi and Crypto

As volatility eases post-tariff shocks, this EU expansion positions OKX and Standard Chartered as pioneers, fostering a compliant DeFi ecosystem. It signals crypto’s maturation, potentially spiking stablecoin volumes and blockchain integrations.

In summary, the Standard Chartered-OKX EU partnership redefines regulated crypto custody, blending security with liquidity for DeFi’s institutional future in 2025.