Standard Chartered launches spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for UAE institutions

Standard Chartered has launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the UAE, making it the first global systemically important bank to offer the service in the Gulf region. Operating through its DIFC-regulated entity, the bank integrates this service into its existing FX and electronic trading platforms. The launch expands on custody services introduced in September 2024, reflecting a broader trend of financial institutions securing licenses in the UAE.

Standard Chartered UAE crypto launch

• ▪Standard Chartered launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates on September 3, 2026
• ▪Standard Chartered is offering the spot cryptocurrency trading service through its entity regulated by the Dubai International Financial Centre
• ▪The spot cryptocurrency trading service is integrated into Standard Chartered's existing electronic trading channels and foreign exchange interfaces

Bitcoin Ether spot trading

• ▪The spot trading service allows institutional clients to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ether for immediate delivery rather than through derivative contracts
• ▪Standard Chartered's spot trading service allows institutional clients to settle trades with a custodian of their choice, including the bank's own custody solution

Institutional digital asset services

• ▪Standard Chartered entered a banking agreement with CoinMENA in June 2026 to support fiat on- and off-ramps, client money accounts, and virtual account-based transaction management
• ▪Standard Chartered previously launched digital asset custody services in the United Arab Emirates in September 2024

Global systemically important bank

• ▪Standard Chartered first introduced institutional spot trading in Bitcoin and Ether through its United Kingdom branch in July 2025
• ▪Standard Chartered is the first Global Systemically Important Bank to offer institutional deliverable spot cryptocurrency trading in the Gulf region

UAE crypto regulatory framework

• ▪Capital.com secured a virtual-asset license from the United Arab Emirates Capital Market Authority in August 2026 to offer spot crypto services
• ▪Revolut received in-principle approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in July 2026 to offer crypto-related services

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