In this insightful conversation conducted on Q4 2025, The Asset sits down with Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing and Securities Services at Standard Chartered, to explore some of the most exciting developments shaping the securities services industry. From her reflections on being appointed chair of the International Securities Services Association ( ISSA ) to her perspectives on the evolving role of digital assets.

Harwood-Jones shares a wealth of knowledge on how financial institutions are adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. The discussion touches on everything from faster settlement cycles like T+1 in Asia to the growth of digital asset custody, tokenization, and regulated trading services for institutional clients.

Throughout the interview, Harwood-Jones provides practical insights for both asset managers and service providers navigating the intersection of traditional finance and emerging digital asset markets. She discusses how clients can better manage and adopt digital assets, the evolution of global custody models, and key considerations when selecting asset servicing providers.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro

0:10 Can you share insights into developing ecosystems around digital assets custody, tokenization, and digital assets trading?

3:21 How are you providing regulated digital asset services to institutional clients?

7:20 How are you helping clients navigate and manage digital assets

9:20 Adoption of digital assets by Asia-based clients

11:55 Where do you see the biggest gap, or opportunity for asset mangers and service providers who are straddling both traditional finance and digital assets?

14:45 How is the traditional custody model changing globally?

16:34 Advising how clients should choose their asset servicing provider

17:34 What do you consider your highlights for 2025?

19:56 Reflection on being appointed chair of the International Securities Services Association ( ISSA )

22:13 How is ISSA helping securities services in Asia move towards T+1 settlement?