Standard Chartered CEO Predicts Global Finance Rewired by Blockchain Transactions

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters envisions a future where nearly all global financial transactions settle on blockchain networks, with money becoming fully digital. Speaking at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, Winters described this shift as a "complete rewiring of the financial system" that will require years of collaboration and experimentation among governments, regulators, and the private sector. Standard Chartered is actively driving this transformation by expanding its blockchain projects, including digital asset custody services, trading platforms, tokenized products, and the development of a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin in partnership with Animoca Brands and HKT. Winters praised Hong Kong's leadership in pioneering regulatory frameworks and innovation, positioning the city as a regional hub for crypto and tokenized finance. The anticipated benefits of blockchain adoption include faster settlement times, enhanced transparency, reduced costs, and greater security. This vision reflects a broader trend of mainstream banking embracing digital assets to capture emerging markets and defend against decentralization.