UAE Becomes Hub for Institutional Crypto Trading with Standard Chartered Expansion

Standard Chartered has expanded its institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the United Arab Emirates through Standard Chartered DIFC, a move that gives eligible clients access to deliverable crypto-assets.

This is the first time a Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB) has offered such a service in the region. The new capability adds execution to the bank's existing digital asset custody solution, which was launched in September 2024.

Eligible institutional clients can now trade crypto-assets through Standard Chartered DIFC's electronic interfaces and settle trades with a custodian of their choice or the bank's own solution.

Rola Abu Manneh, chief executive for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, said that the UAE's digital assets framework supports institutional participation. The move positions Dubai as a hub for financial innovation.