Standard Chartered brings institutional Bitcoin, Ether trading to UAE

Standard Chartered has expanded its institutional digital asset services by launching direct Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the United Arab Emirates through its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) branch. This milestone makes Standard Chartered the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer deliverable institutional crypto spot trading in the UAE, building upon a similar offering launched via its UK branch. Eligible institutional clients, including asset managers and corporations, can execute deliverable Bitcoin and Ether trades using the bank's existing electronic foreign exchange trading interfaces. The model enables clients to separate trade execution from custody, allowing them to settle digital assets either with third-party custodians or through Standard Chartered's own regulated UAE custody platform, which has operated since September 2024. The expansion represents a significant step in bridging traditional financial infrastructure with digital asset markets in the Middle East. By combining established banking channels with regulatory compliance, the offering is expected to drive greater institutional adoption and liquidity for major cryptocurrencies across regional markets.