Standard Chartered launches spot BTC and ETH trading in UAE

Standard Chartered launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates through its Dubai International Financial Centre–regulated unit, the bank announced Thursday. The service makes Standard Chartered the first global bank to offer institutional spot crypto trading in the country.

Eligible institutional clients will access spot BTC and ETH trading via Standard Chartered’s electronic trading channels integrated into the bank’s existing platforms. Trading will be provided by the DIFC‑regulated entity, allowing the bank to operate under local regulatory oversight while using its global infrastructure to serve UAE clients.

Standard Chartered expanded its regional digital-asset services earlier this year and last. The bank began offering digital asset custody in the UAE in September 2024. In June it entered a banking agreement with regional crypto exchange CoinMENA to support fiat on- and off-ramps, client money accounts and virtual account‑based transaction management. The new spot trading service adds execution capability for the two largest cryptocurrencies by market value.

UAE authorities have issued approvals for other firms in recent months. In July, Revolut received in‑principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority for crypto services, and in August Capital.com secured a virtual‑asset license from the country’s Capital Market Authority to offer spot crypto. Multiple platforms and service providers are pursuing authorizations as regulators complete rules for digital‑asset activity.

Standard Chartered is headquartered in London and is designated a Global Systemically Important Bank by international regulators. The announcement notes the offering is limited to eligible institutional clients and will be delivered through the bank’s established electronic trading systems under DIFC regulation.