Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writerReviewed by Yohan Yunstaff writer
Written by Ezra Reguerrastaff writer
Reviewed by Yohan Yunstaff writer
CoinMENA, Standard Chartered partner on UAE payment rails
Latest NewsPublishedJun 17, 2026
CoinMENA will utilize Standard Chartered to strengthen fiat payment rails in the UAE, while Revolut reportedly secured central bank licenses ahead of a planned local launch.
Crypto exchange CoinMENA has entered a banking agreement with Standard Chartered to strengthen fiat payment infrastructure for customers in the United Arab Emirates.
Under the agreement, CoinMENA will utilize Standard Chartered to support fiat on- and off-ramps, client money accounts and virtual account-based transaction management, as reported by a press release shared to Cointelegraph. The exchange stated the arrangement would improve transparency and liquidity settlement with approved global counterparties.
In the announcement, Standard Chartered UAE, Middle East and Pakistan CEO Rola Abu Manneh stated the UAE had established itself as a leading regulatory environment for digital assets, creating opportunities for financial institutions and regulated firms to collaborate.
The agreement reflects growing efforts by crypto firms in the UAE to secure access to regulated banking infrastructure as the country’s digital asset sector matures and attracts greater institutional participation. Banking partnerships have increasingly become a priority for exchanges seeking reliable fiat payment rails and settlement services.
“We believe the industry’s future depends on strong banking, regulatory, and operational foundations, not just technology,” CoinMENA co-founders Dina Sam’an and Talal Tabbaa stated in a joint statement.
Source: CoinMENA
Revolut moves closer to UAE launch
Separately, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) approved Revolut’s applications for Stored Value Facilities and Retail Payment Services licenses, as reported by Bloomberg.
Revolut reportedly plans to build out its technology, operations and local capabilities before making its services available in the country. UAE customers are expected to gain access to multi-currency accounts, physical and virtual cards, and domestic and international transfers through the company’s app.
Related: UAE-linked ADI Chain gains Ledger support amid stablecoin growth
The London-headquartered fintech is also reportedly considering expansion across the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey and Morocco.
nevertheless, Revolut has not publicly verified whether its local offering will include digital asset trading, transfers, staking or access to its Revolut X exchange. The reported licenses cover stored-value and retail payment services rather than explicit authorization for virtual asset activities.
Cointelegraph reached out to Revolut for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Magazine: China’s 107 Bitcoin memory thief, Bithumb CEO booked: Asia Express
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.
- Banks
- Standard Chartered
- Revolut
- UAE
- Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Blockchain
More on the subject
Inveniam to acquire Mantra after turbulent year marked by OM crash
1 hour ago
Zoltan Vardai
Pudgy Penguins winds down Pudgy Party mobile game
Jun 15, 2026
Ezra Reguerra
Tokenization could push DeFi assets to $2.7T by 2030: Standard Chartered
Jun 15, 2026
Ezra Reguerra
Inveniam to acquire Mantra after turbulent year marked by OM crash
1 hour ago
Zoltan Vardai
Pudgy Penguins winds down Pudgy Party mobile game
Jun 15, 2026
Ezra Reguerra
Tokenization could push DeFi assets to $2.7T by 2030: Standard Chartered
Jun 15, 2026
Ezra Reguerra
