Standard Chartered began offering cryptocurrency trading in the UAE on October 14, enabling eligible Professional Investor clients to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum through their existing bank accounts. The service integrates crypto transactions into a regulated banking environment, with the bank handling custody and settlement within its own infrastructure.

Standard Chartered described the rollout as a global first for the bank and the first comparable crypto trading service launched by an international bank in the UAE.

The offering allows clients to buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) without opening separate crypto wallets or relying on external trading platforms. Standard Chartered oversees the process within its closed-loop ecosystem, managing transactions, custody, and settlement from beginning to end.

Keeping these functions within one banking system is intended to reduce exposure to risks linked to third-party wallets and external crypto providers. It also allows clients to access trading and asset custody through a single financial relationship rather than moving holdings between different services.

According to the bank, the platform combines institutional-grade custody, liquidity, and customer access in one digital-asset ecosystem. The service was developed through collaboration between Standard Chartered’s Wealth and Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking businesses, alongside SC Ventures-backed Zodia Markets.

Samir Subberwal, Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Wealth Solutions, Retail Products, Data & Analytics, said the launch marks an important milestone in bringing digital assets into the bank’s core wealth offering as client demand for cryptocurrency exposure increases.

The announcement did not disclose the service’s trading fees, minimum investment thresholds, transaction limits, expected trading volumes, or the number of customers eligible to participate. It also did not clarify the precise trade execution arrangements or whether customers can transfer purchased assets to external wallets.

Standard Chartered Introduces Crypto Trading Under UAE Regulatory Framework

The bank confirmed that it received licensing approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). During the initial rollout, the service will be available only to eligible Professional Investor clients in the UAE.

Standard Chartered cited the UAE’s supportive approach to innovation, regulatory environment, and expanding digital-asset sector as reasons for choosing the country for the launch.

Rola Abu Manneh, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, highlighted the development as part of Standard Chartered’s broader regional digital-asset strategy.

The regulatory approval establishes the framework for the new service, while the Professional Investor restriction defines its initial customer base. The launch adds cryptocurrency trading to the bank’s existing wealth management services but does not represent a general retail offering.

Additional Markets May Be Added Later

Standard Chartered has indicated that it intends to bring the service to other markets over time. However, it has not identified the next countries or provided a timeline for expansion. The UAE offering currently covers Bitcoin and Ethereum for eligible Professional Investors.

The launch builds on the bank’s existing digital-asset investment options, which include cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through its cash-equities platform, as well as structured products and over-the-counter derivatives.

Direct trading broadens the ways eligible clients can access cryptocurrencies through their existing banking accounts.

Further announcements will be needed to establish where Standard Chartered plans to expand next, whether additional cryptocurrencies will be supported, and whether the service’s eligibility requirements will change.