Standard Chartered Leads Gulf Region into Institutional Crypto Trading

Standard Chartered has become the first Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) to offer deliverable spot crypto trading directly to institutional clients in the Gulf region.

The bank launched its institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) entity on September 3, 2026.

This milestone follows the bank's earlier move in July 2025, when it became the first G-SIB to offer deliverable spot crypto trading to institutional clients through its UK branch.

The UAE expansion extends Standard Chartered's capability into the Gulf as the bank continues to expand its institutional digital asset offering.