Standard Chartered launches UAE crypto spot

Standard Chartered announced on Thursday that it is launching institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading in the United Arab Emirates. This makes it the first Global Systemically Important Bank to offer such a capability in the UAE market, according to the bank's statement.

The service will be offered through Standard Chartered DIFC. Eligible institutional clients can access deliverable spot trading for the two cryptocurrencies via the bank's electronic trading channels. The functionality is integrated into existing platforms, allowing clients to use familiar foreign exchange interfaces for crypto-asset trades.

A Regulated Market Proposition

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, linked the move to the UAE's regulatory environment. "The UAE has developed a clear digital assets regulatory framework that supports institutional participation and innovation," she said. Abu Manneh stated that extending spot trading broadens the bank's regulated digital asset proposition. She emphasized the combination of execution with secure custody and governance.

Clients may settle their trades with a custodian of their choice. This includes Standard Chartered's own digital asset custody solution, which launched in September 2024.

Building on a Global Launch

The UAE expansion follows the bank's initial foray into this business. Standard Chartered first introduced institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through its UK branch in July 2025. That launch made it the first G-SIB to offer deliverable spot crypto-asset trading to institutional clients globally.

Christopher Parsons, Senior Executive Officer at Standard Chartered DIFC, commented on the location. "DIFC provides an established platform for international financial institutions to deploy global capabilities across markets," he said. Parsons noted the move combines the bank's global markets expertise with a regulated regional base.

Integrated Digital Assets Strategy

This latest capability is part of a broader digital assets strategy at Standard Chartered. The strategy spans custody, trading, and tokenisation capabilities through its Corporate and Investment Bank. The bank's ventures ecosystem, including Zodia Markets and Libeara, extends these services.

Together, these offerings are designed to support institutional clients' digital asset needs through regulated infrastructure. The bank positions itself as the only global bank currently offering institutional digital asset spot trading in the Middle East region. The service adds execution to its existing custody offering in the UAE.