Standard Chartered Expands Institutional Crypto Trading to UAE
Standard Chartered has expanded its institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading to the UAE through 'Standard Chartered DIFC'. This move makes Standard Chartered the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer this capability in the market and the only global bank currently offering institutional digital asset spot trading in the region.
The capability enables eligible institutional clients to access deliverable Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through Standard Chartered's electronic trading channels, integrated into its existing platforms. Clients can settle trades with a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered's digital asset custody solution launched in September 2024.
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, Standard Chartered, stated: 'The UAE has developed a clear digital assets regulatory framework that supports institutional participation and innovation. Extending our Bitcoin and Ether spot trading capability to institutional clients is a significant step in broadening our regulated digital asset proposition in the market.'
This expansion builds on Standard Chartered's broader digital assets strategy, which spans custody, trading, and tokenization capabilities through its Corporate and Investment Bank.