Standard Chartered Enters UAE Institutional Crypto Market with BTC and ETH Spot Trading

Standard Chartered has become the first global systemically important bank (G-SIB) to offer institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the UAE, through its DIFC entity. This move extends the bank's UK spot-trading desk, launched in July 2025, into one of the world's fastest-growing institutional crypto markets.

The product is institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading, deliverable, not cash-settled. Eligible clients access it through Standard Chartered DIFC's electronic trading channels, using the same FX-style interfaces they already operate on. Settlement can go to any custodian the client chooses, including Standard Chartered's own UAE digital-asset custody solution.

Rola Abu Manneh, CEO for UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, stated that extending Bitcoin and Ether spot trading capability to institutional clients is a significant step in broadening the bank's regulated digital asset proposition. She added that combining execution with custody and global bank connectivity gives clients a more integrated path into digital asset markets.