Standard Chartered has obtained a license to provide crypto custody services in Luxembourg, according to a Jan. 9 statement.

The approval falls under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which provides a unified regulatory approach for crypto businesses across the European Union.

MiCA requires companies to obtain a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) license from an EU member state. This license enables them to operate across the bloc. The regulation became effective in December 2024.

Standard Chartered plans to leverage Luxembourg’s stable financial environment and clear regulatory landscape to strengthen its regional presence. Notably, the move builds on its earlier introduction of digital asset custody services in the UAE.

Margaret Harwood-Jones, the bank’s Global Head of Financing and Securities Services, emphasized that this initiative enables the bank to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions while adhering to strict security and compliance standards.

She stated:

“We are really excited to be able to offer our digital asset custody services to the EU region, enabling us to support our clients with a product that is changing the landscape of traditional finance, whilst also providing the level of security that comes with being an appropriately regulated entity.”

Laurent Marochini, an executive who previously worked with Société Générale as the Head of Innovation, will lead the firm’s Luxembourg operations.

Pro-crypto moves

This new effort continues the traditional financial institution’s increasing crypto efforts over the past year.

In June 2024, reports emerged that the banking giant was preparing to launch a spot trading desk for Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two largest digital assets by market capitalization.

Meanwhile, its affiliates, like Zodia Markets, have also been making waves in the emerging industry. Notably, it facilitated the UK’s first pension fund allocation into Bitcoin through the Cartwright Pension Trusts.

Zodia Markets has also secured a Financial Services Permission (FSP) from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). This license allows the firm to offer comprehensive digital asset solutions while integrating domestic banking systems for faster local settlements.

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Ripple’s leadership, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty, kicked off the new year with a dinner meeting with Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The event could signal a significant start to 2025 for Ripple amid ongoing shifts in the cryptocurrency market.

Ripple’s Promising Start to 2025

Garlinghouse shared the news in a January 7 post on X, describing the evening as a “strong” start to the new year.

“Great dinner last night with Donald Trump and Stuart Alderoty,” the CEO said, sharing a picture of himself, his chief attorney, and the President-elect. In a separate post, Alderoty added some light-hearted commentary, claiming, “The beef bourguignon was really good.”

The meeting follows recent reports of Ripple achieving a final victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in their high-profile legal battle dating back to 2020.

Pro XRP attorney John E. Deaton has described the financial watchdog’s lawsuit as overreaching and harmful to the crypto firm’s operations. It has seen several developments and partial wins for the company, with Alderoty sharing a post on X hinting at finally beating the regulator, causing excitement within the crypto community about Ripple’s future.

The development also comes as Donald Trump prepares to assume office. Garlinghouse recently revealed a strategic hiring shift, with 75% of Ripple’s current open positions now based in the United States. This contrasts with the previous four years, during which regulatory pressures from the SEC, under Gary Gensler, forced the firm to expand primarily outside the U.S.

He attributed this post-election surge in crypto activity to the so-called “Trump bull market,” noting that the improved climate since his reelection has allowed Ripple to refocus on domestic growth.

Political Discussions and Growing Presence

The Mar-a-Lago dinner also aligns with broader discussions between political figures and cryptocurrency leaders. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a proponent of blockchain, has been in active discussions with Paul Atkins, who is set to become the SEC Chairman under President-elect Trump. Their talks center on reforming the agency’s regulatory framework to support digital asset innovation.

Meanwhile, Ripple’s market presence continues to strengthen. XRP has emerged as one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies in the past week, with several market watchers predicting significant price gains. Captain Faibik, a cryptocurrency analyst, recently projected a potential 50% price surge for the token, while others anticipate a new all-time high of $4.

The firm is also expanding its product offerings, with President Monica Long announcing that RLUSD will be listed on more exchanges. Ripple has also partnered with Chainlink to integrate secure and accurate RLUSD pricing into the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

With its growing presence, changing regulatory environment, and positive market indicators, 2025 could yet shape up to be as strong a year for the company as its CEO suggested over beef bourguignon with Donald Trump.

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