Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Crypto Trading in UAE

Standard Chartered has made history by launching institutional spot cryptocurrency trading in Bitcoin and Ether for clients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The bank is the first globally significant institution to offer this service in the Gulf country.

The new service allows eligible institutional clients to access deliverable Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through electronic trading channels. This includes Ether spot trading, which enables investors to buy and sell Ether for immediate delivery rather than through derivatives contracts.

The launch expands Standard Chartered's digital asset offering in the UAE by adding execution services to its custody business, which was launched in September 2024. Clients can settle trades with a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered's digital asset custody solution.

This move is significant as it brings institutional-grade cryptocurrency trading to the UAE. Standard Chartered first introduced institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through its UK branch in July 2025, becoming the first Globally Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer deliverable spot trading in Bitcoin and Ether to institutional clients.