Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in UAE

Standard Chartered has launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates through its entity regulated by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The London-based bank said the move makes it the first global bank to offer institutional digital asset trading in the region, as well as the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to introduce a similar service.

Eligible institutional clients will be able to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) through Standard Chartered’s electronic trading channels, integrated directly into the bank’s existing platforms.

Standard Chartered expands crypto services in the UAE

The launch builds on Standard Chartered’s existing digital asset presence in the region. The bank introduced digital asset custody services in the UAE in September 2024, giving institutional clients access to regulated crypto storage infrastructure.

In June, Standard Chartered also entered into a banking agreement with CoinMENA, allowing the crypto exchange to use the bank for fiat on- and off-ramps, client money accounts and virtual account-based transaction management.

UAE continues to attract crypto firms

Standard Chartered’s expansion comes as more crypto companies and trading platforms seek regulatory approval to offer digital asset services in the UAE. In August, Capital.com said it planned to launch spot crypto services in the country after securing a virtual asset license from the UAE’s Capital Market Authority.

Earlier in July, neobank Revolut received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to provide crypto-related services in the region.

Institutional crypto access broadens

The introduction of spot Bitcoin and Ether trading through a major global bank highlights the growing integration of digital assets into traditional financial infrastructure in the UAE. By offering crypto trading through regulated banking channels, Standard Chartered is expanding access for institutional investors while strengthening its broader digital asset strategy in the region.

Sources:

https://www.sc.com/en/press-release/standard-chartered-becomes-first-global-systemically-important-bank-g-sib-to-launch-institutional-bitcoin-and-ether-spot-trading-in-the-uae/

https://cointelegraph.com/news/standard-chartered-bitcoin-ether-trading-uae