Standard Chartered Opens Spot Bitcoin, Ethereum Trading to UAE Institutions

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Standard Chartered has expanded its regulated digital asset business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for institutional clients, adding the service to a regional crypto offering that already includes custody.

The London-headquartered bank introduced digital asset custody in the UAE in September 2024. In June 2026, it followed with a banking agreement allowing CoinMENA to use Standard Chartered for fiat on- and off-ramps, client money accounts and transaction management through virtual accounts.

The bank is providing the new service through Standard Chartered DIFC, an entity regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

Institutional Clients Gain Spot Crypto Access

Eligible institutions can access spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading through electronic trading channels integrated into Standard Chartered’s existing platforms.

Standard Chartered said Thursday that it is the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer the capability in the UAE and the only global bank currently providing institutional digital asset spot trading in the region.

Other Platforms Seek UAE Crypto Approvals

The launch comes amid broader efforts by cryptocurrency and trading businesses to secure regulatory authorization for digital asset products in the UAE.

Capital.com disclosed plans in August to provide spot crypto services to UAE clients after its affiliate, Capital Vault UAE, obtained a virtual-asset licence from the country’s Capital Market Authority (CMA).

Revolut also moved to expand its crypto services in July, when the neobank received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to provide crypto-related services in the UAE.