Chartered Standard Expands Institutional Crypto Trading in UAE

Standard Chartered has become the first global systemically important bank (G-SIB) to offer institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the UAE, a significant move that extends its UK spot-trading desk into one of the world's fastest-growing institutional crypto markets.

The bank's DIFC entity now allows Gulf-based allocators, family offices, and asset managers to execute on BTC and ETH without opening a separate crypto venue, as they can use the same FX-style interfaces they already operate on.

Settlement for eligible clients can go to any custodian they choose, including Standard Chartered's own UAE digital-asset custody solution launched in September 2024 or Zodia Custody's institutional wallet infrastructure backed by the bank.

Rola Abu Manneh, CEO for UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, said extending Bitcoin and Ether spot trading capability to institutional clients is a significant step in broadening the bank's regulated digital asset proposition.