Standard Chartered has launched a capability that allows institutional clients to mint and redeem USDC, Circle’s US dollar-pegged stablecoin, directly through the bank, rather than requiring a separate account with Circle.

The bank said it is the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer this integrated access for institutional USDC minting, which positions the launch as a bank-led alternative to institutions holding stablecoin infrastructure relationships directly with issuers.

Rollout starts in DIFC

Standard Chartered is initially offering the service to eligible clients operating through its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) operations. The bank plans to extend the capability into additional markets, subject to regulatory approval and market readiness in each jurisdiction.

How the integration works

The capability connects Standard Chartered’s fiat infrastructure with public blockchain networks, spanning the bank’s banking, custody and digital asset services. Institutional clients can access USDC minting and redemption without maintaining a direct relationship with Circle, with Standard Chartered handling the fiat-to-stablecoin conversion within its existing banking relationship.

The launch is described as the first phase of a broader global stablecoin proposition, intended to support institutional on-chain settlement, treasury operations and liquidity management as part of Standard Chartered’s wider digital asset strategy across its banking and custody operations.

Institutional USDC minting – demand for stablecoin infrastructure

The move reflects broader institutional interest in stablecoin infrastructure for cross-border payments and digital market participation, as banks look to offer digital asset access alongside traditional custody and settlement services. Standard Chartered said further expansion will depend on regulatory clearance and market readiness in each jurisdiction, with the DIFC rollout serving as the starting point.

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