Standard Chartered Bank Launches Cryptocurrency Spot Trading in UAE for Institutional Investors

Providing Spot Trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum in the UAE

On September 3, 2026, Standard Chartered Bank launched a spot trading service for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) aimed at institutional investors in the UAE (United Arab Emirates).

The service is offered through the bank's DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) entity. According to the bank, it becomes the first G-SIB (Global Systemically Important Bank) to provide cryptocurrency spot trading for institutional investors in the UAE.

Access to Cryptocurrency Spot Trading from Existing Banking Infrastructure

The new service is regulated by the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) and is provided through Standard Chartered DIFC. Eligible institutional investor clients can trade Bitcoin and Ethereum through an electronic trading channel integrated into the bank's existing banking platform.

Standard Chartered Bank claims to be the first G-SIB to offer this service in the UAE and is currently the only global bank providing digital asset spot trading for institutional investors in the region.

The bank started offering digital asset custody services in the UAE in September 2024, and the introduction of this spot trading service adds trading execution capabilities to its existing custody functions.

Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, explained that the UAE has established a clear regulatory framework for digital assets that supports institutional investor participation and innovation. By combining trading execution, secure custody, governance, and a global banking network, the bank aims to provide clients with an integrated means to participate in the digital asset market.

Expanding Digital Asset Business in the UAE from Custody to Trading

The launch of this service is part of Standard Chartered Bank's efforts to expand its digital asset business for institutional investors. In July 2025, the bank began spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum for institutional investors through its UK branch, and it has now expanded this functionality to the UAE.

Furthermore, in June 2026, the bank signed a banking partnership agreement with the cryptocurrency exchange CoinMENA. Through Standard Chartered Bank, CoinMENA clients can utilize transaction management features involving fiat currency deposits and withdrawals, customer fund accounts, and virtual accounts.

In addition to custody and trading, the bank is also expanding its business in the tokenization sector. Its venture division is enhancing digital asset-related functionalities through platforms like Zodia Markets and Libeara.

In the UAE, other financial and trading firms are also progressing in obtaining licenses for cryptocurrency-related services. Capital Vault UAE obtained a virtual asset license in August, and Revolut received preliminary approval from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority for cryptocurrency-related services in July. Amidst these developments, Standard Chartered Bank is rolling out its institutional investor spot trading service in the UAE through a regulated banking infrastructure.

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