Standard Chartered Expands Bitcoin and Ether Trading to UAE Professional Investors
Major bank extends crypto access to UAE's wealthy clients
Standard Chartered has expanded its spot crypto trading services to professional investors in the UAE. The London-headquartered bank announced the move on Wednesday, allowing eligible clients to trade Bitcoin and Ether directly within their existing bank accounts.
This expansion comes roughly five weeks after Standard Chartered launched similar crypto trading services for institutional clients in the UAE in early September.
Eligibility requirements for crypto trading
To qualify, individual investors must hold at least 4 million dirhams (approximately $1.1 million) in net assets, excluding their primary residence. They must also demonstrate sufficient investment knowledge and experience, or be represented by a licensed entity.
The bank stated that its plans include offering access to more market participants beyond the initial professional investor tier.
Bank sees digital assets entering mainstream wealth conversations
Samir Subberwal, global head of wealth solutions, retail products, data and analytics at Standard Chartered, said digital assets are "moving into mainstream wealth conversations." He added that clients are increasingly seeking "the security, trust and confidence that comes from investing through a regulated and trusted institution."
Spot trading allows investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies for immediate delivery, as opposed to trading derivatives like futures contracts.
Crypto adoption accelerates across the UAE
Standard Chartered's move follows a series of regulatory approvals for crypto firms in the UAE. On Monday, Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, received approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide crypto services through its local entity. In July, neobank Revolut also received in-principle approval from VARA to offer crypto-related services in the region.
What is confirmed
Standard Chartered has expanded spot Bitcoin and Ether trading to professional investors in the UAE. Eligibility requires at least 4 million AED in net assets and demonstrated investment knowledge or licensed representation. The bank previously launched institutional crypto trading in the UAE in early September. Multiple crypto firms have recently received regulatory approvals in the region.
Why traditional banks are entering crypto trading
Standard Chartered's announcement reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions expanding digital asset offerings for wealthy clients. The bank cited client demand for regulated, trusted access to cryptocurrencies as a key driver.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.
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