Hana Financial Group and Standard Chartered have signed a memorandum of understanding that extends beyond conventional finance into cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and broader digital finance initiatives. Local media reports said the agreement is aimed at future financial sectors, with both sides looking to combine their international networks and operational experience to widen their reach in global markets.
Ham Young-joo, chairman of Hana Financial Group, said the partnership could open additional growth opportunities through cooperation in digital assets and other emerging financial areas. The discussions were not framed around a single product line. They covered a wider set of digital finance projects, showing how large banks are moving blockchain-based services closer to their mainstream business plans.
Standard Chartered expands trading, custody, and stablecoin ambitions
The deal fits a broader pattern across global banking. Standard Chartered has been steadily building out its digital asset business as institutional demand rises. According to the report, the bank launched spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services in 2025 for institutional investors seeking regulated exposure to crypto markets.
It also operates digital asset custody platforms serving clients in both Europe and Asia. Separate reports have indicated that Standard Chartered could be among the earliest recipients of a stablecoin issuer license in Hong Kong. If approved, that would allow the bank to participate directly in blockchain-based payment networks and stablecoin issuance structures.
Hana builds on earlier custody moves with BitGo Korea
Hana Financial Group has also been building its position in digital asset custody. In 2023, Hana Bank partnered with crypto custody provider BitGo to develop secure infrastructure for institutional digital asset storage. The effort expanded in 2024 with the creation of BitGo Korea, involving Hana Bank, BitGo, and SK Telecom.
Hana Financial Group now holds a 25% stake in the BitGo Korea venture, giving it direct exposure to the country’s developing custody market. For incumbent banks, custody remains one of the clearest entry points into digital assets. It aligns more naturally with existing compliance structures and with the needs of institutional clients.
Record profit gives Hana room to fund digital finance expansion
Hana’s financial performance adds weight to that strategy. The group reported annualized net income of more than 4 trillion Korean won in 2025, its highest annual result on record. Based on the exchange rate cited in the report, that equals about $2.67 billion in annual profit.
That level of earnings leaves the group with meaningful capacity to support future investment in digital finance infrastructure. Taken together, the new MoU, Hana’s custody buildout, and Standard Chartered’s trading and stablecoin moves point to a clearer trend: major banks are making digital assets a more formal part of their cross-border operations.