Written by Zoltan Vardaistaff writerReviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editor

Written by Zoltan Vardaistaff writer

Reviewed by Robert Lakinstaff editor

Standard Chartered launches spot Bitcoin and Ether trading in UAE

Latest NewsPublishedSep 3, 2026

Standard Chartered stated it is the first major global bank to offer institutional access to spot Bitcoin and Ether trading in the UAE region.

London-headquartered multinational bank Standard Chartered has introduced spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), through its entity regulated by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The move makes Standard Chartered the first global bank to offer institutional digital asset trading in the region and the first Global Systemically crucial Bank (G-SIB) with a similar offering, the bank stated in a Thursday announcement shared with Cointelegraph.

Eligible institutional clients will be able to access spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) trading through Standard Chartered’s electronic trading channels integrated into the bank’s existing platforms.

The move expands Standard Chartered’s regulated crypto asset offering in the region. The bank previously introduced digital asset custody services in the UAE in September 2024.

In June, Standard Chartered entered a banking agreement with CoinMENA, enabling the crypto exchange to utilize the bank to support fiat on- and off-ramps, client money accounts and virtual account-based transaction management.

Other cryptocurrency companies and trading platforms are also seeking regulatory approval to launch digital asset offerings in the UAE. In August, trading platform Capital.com revealed plans to offer spot crypto services to clients in the UAE and secured a virtual-asset license from the country’s Capital Market Authority (CMA).

Earlier in July, neobank Revolut received in-principle approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority to offer crypto-related services in the region.

Related: Standard Chartered wavers on $100K Bitcoin year-end call, says it may be ‘too low’

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

• Standard Chartered
• UAE
• Trading
• Institutions
• Banks
• Bitcoin Price
• Ether Price
• Cryptocurrencies
• Regulation

More on the subject

Kalshi seeks CFTC approval for WTI crude perpetual futures: Report

1 hour ago

Zoltan Vardai

Australia warns unlicensed crypto firms of fines up to 10% of annual turnover

3 hours ago

Ezra Reguerra

US officials work with CrowdStrike to fight malware behind crypto theft

13 hours ago

Turner Wright

Kalshi seeks CFTC approval for WTI crude perpetual futures: Report

1 hour ago

Zoltan Vardai

Australia warns unlicensed crypto firms of fines up to 10% of annual turnover

3 hours ago

Ezra Reguerra

US officials work with CrowdStrike to fight malware behind crypto theft

13 hours ago

Turner Wright