Standard Chartered Launches First Bank-Integrated Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading for Affluent UAE Clients

Standard Chartered is introducing a cryptocurrency trading solution that allows its wealthy UAE clients to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through their existing bank accounts within a closed-loop system featuring institutional custody.

The bank states this marks a global first for the institution and the UAE’s first such offering by an international bank, regulated by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

Eligible affluent clients can execute trades within the bank’s ecosystem, where Standard Chartered handles custody and settlement to mitigate third-party risks. This is achieved through collaboration between its wealth and corporate businesses and SC Ventures-backed Zodia Markets.

The service initially launches for Professional Investor clients in the UAE, with plans to expand to other markets later. It builds on the bank’s existing crypto access through ETFs, structured products, and OTC derivatives.

Samir Subberwal, Global Head of Wealth Solutions at the bank, highlighted growing client interest in digital assets.

“With digital assets moving into mainstream wealth conversations, clients are increasingly looking not only for access, but also for the security, trust and confidence that comes from investing through a regulated and trusted institution.”

Rola Abu Manneh, CEO for UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, noted the strategic fit with the region.

“We are proud to be the first international bank in the UAE to launch a cryptocurrency trading offering. The UAE was a natural choice for this launch, given the country’s forward-looking approach to innovation, strong regulatory environment and growing leadership in digital assets. This also reflects the strategic importance of the UAE within our network as one of our four global wealth hubs.”