A strategic collaboration between Hana Financial Group and Standard Chartered aims to accelerate digital asset initiatives and expand their global footprint in traditional finance, including potential joint efforts in digital finance and stablecoins.

The partners plan to leverage their combined networks and expertise to create growth opportunities through synergies in digital assets and other future financial sectors, as stated by Hana Financial Group’s chairman.

Hana Financial has built a broader digital asset ecosystem through partnerships with Circle for USDC, Crypto.com, BitGo Korea, and SK Telecom, advancing stablecoin-based payments and digital infrastructure.

Hana Bank previously partnered with crypto custodian BitGo in 2023 to develop its own crypto custody service, and in 2024 BitGo Korea was established with Hana and SK Telecom, in which Hana holds a 25% stake.

Standard Chartered’s CEO described Korea as a key Asian financial hub and called the partnership an important milestone for expanding StanChart’s global network in Asia.

The same CEO emphasized that the alliance will strengthen Standard Chartered’s regional presence and connectivity within Asia.

Hana Financial reported record annual profits exceeding 4 trillion won in 2025, underscoring the company’s financial strength to back aggressive digital expansion.

Hana Financial’s 2025 performance was a record annualized net income of over 4 trillion won, highlighting substantial financial backing for its digital initiatives.

There is industry chatter that Standard Chartered may receive Hong Kong stablecoin issuer approvals as part of late-March regulatory developments, aligning with Hana’s digital asset strategy.

Standard Chartered has led in digital asset services, with institutional spot trading for bitcoin and Ethereum and custody reach across Europe and Asia, and is anticipated to be among early Hong Kong stablecoin license recipients.

Media reports suggest SC could be among the first to receive Hong Kong stablecoin licenses, signaling regulatory alignment for cross-border digital asset activities.

The alliance targets investment banking, foreign exchange, money markets, and comprehensive digital asset management, prioritizing cryptocurrency integration and stablecoins to modernize payments.