Crypto News
Standard Chartered launched UAE crypto trading on 14 October, giving eligible Professional Investor clients access to Bitcoin and Ethereum through their existing bank accounts. The bank handles custody and settlement within its own closed-loop ecosystem, so clients do not need separate wallets or third-party trading platforms to buy and sell the two assets.
Why it matters
The launch brings spot crypto trading into a regulated banking relationship, combining access, custody and settlement in one setup. Standard Chartered says the service is a global first for the bank and the first offering of its kind by an international bank in the UAE. The product was developed by the bank’s Wealth and Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking businesses, alongside SC Ventures-backed Zodia Markets.
The bank says it received licensing approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The initial rollout is restricted to eligible Professional Investors, rather than being a broad consumer launch. Standard Chartered said it chose the UAE for its regulatory environment, innovation focus and growing role in digital assets.
Market impact
For Bitcoin and Ethereum, the service adds a bank-based route to trading for a defined group of UAE clients. Standard Chartered says its existing wealth offering already includes cryptocurrency ETFs on its cash-equities platform, as well as exposure through structured products and OTC derivatives.
The bank plans to expand the service to other markets over time, but has not named a destination or timetable. It has also not disclosed fees, minimum investments, trading limits or expected volumes. The next concrete signal will be an announcement of where the account-based model expands.
Frequently asked questions
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Who can use Standard Chartered’s UAE crypto trading service?
The initial rollout is limited to eligible Professional Investor clients in the UAE. It is not a broad consumer launch.
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Which cryptocurrencies can clients trade through the service?
Clients can buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum through their existing Standard Chartered accounts.
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How does Standard Chartered handle custody and settlement?
Trading, custody and settlement take place within the bank’s closed-loop ecosystem. Clients do not need separate wallets or third-party trading platforms.
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Which regulator approved the UAE crypto service?
Standard Chartered says it received licensing approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
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Where will Standard Chartered expand the service next?
The bank says it plans to expand to other markets, but has not named a destination or timetable.
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