Standard Chartered Offers Bitcoin and Ether Trading to UAE Investors
BITmarkets Team
Oct 19, 2026
The London-headquartered banking group announced the expansion, extending access to digital asset trading beyond institutional customers to affluent individuals who meet the UAE's professional investor requirements. The initiative allows qualifying clients to access cryptocurrency markets through Standard Chartered's established banking infrastructure, without needing to open a separate account with a cryptocurrency exchange.
Standard Chartered expands crypto trading to wealthy UAE investors
Under the bank's eligibility criteria, individuals must hold at least 4 million UAE dirhams, approximately $1.1 million, in net assets, excluding their primary residence. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient investment knowledge and experience or be represented by an appropriately licensed entity.
The service initially supports trading in Bitcoin and Ether, providing qualifying investors with access to the two largest cryptocurrencies through their existing Standard Chartered banking relationships. Samir Subberwal, Standard Chartered's global head of wealth solutions, retail products, data and analytics, highlighted growing interest in digital assets among the bank's affluent customers.
He said cryptocurrencies are “moving into mainstream wealth conversations,” with clients increasingly seeking the “security, trust and confidence that comes from investing through a regulated and trusted institution.”
UAE crypto offering builds on institutional trading launch
The latest expansion follows Standard Chartered's introduction of cryptocurrency trading services for institutional clients in the UAE in early September. By extending the offering to professional individual investors, the bank is broadening its digital asset services within the country's regulated financial environment.
The move also reflects growing demand among wealthy investors for cryptocurrency exposure through established financial institutions rather than exclusively through dedicated digital asset platforms. Standard Chartered's approach integrates cryptocurrency trading into existing banking services, potentially making digital assets more accessible to clients already using its wealth management and investment products.
Crypto companies continue expanding in the UAE
Standard Chartered's latest announcement comes amid continued expansion by international financial and cryptocurrency companies in the UAE. Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, received approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide cryptocurrency services through its local entity.
These developments highlight the UAE's growing role as a destination for regulated digital asset businesses, with traditional banks, cryptocurrency exchanges and financial technology companies expanding their presence in the region. The addition of cryptocurrency trading for Standard Chartered's professional investor clients represents another step toward integrating digital assets into conventional banking and wealth management services.
Sources:
https://cointelegraph.com/news/standard-chartered-bitcoin-ether-trading-professional-investors-uae
