Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin Trading for Wealthy UAE Clients
First International Bank in UAE Offers Direct Bitcoin Trading
Standard Chartered on Wednesday announced a bitcoin trading service for wealthy clients in the United Arab Emirates. The bank said it is the first international bank in the UAE to provide such a service.
Affluent clients can now buy bitcoin directly through their bank accounts. They will not need to use third-party apps or digital wallets, which are external programs used to store cryptocurrency.
The move follows Standard Chartered's launch of bitcoin trading for institutional clients in the UAE just last month. The British bank had also set up a trading desk for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in London back in 2025.
Key Details of the New Service
- The service allows clients to buy bitcoin using their existing bank accounts
- No third-party wallets or apps are required
- Standard Chartered manages custody and settlement through a closed-loop system
- The bank aims to reduce risks associated with external wallet providers
What Bank Executives Said
Samir Subberwal, Standard Chartered's global head of wealth solutions, retail products, data and analytics, called the launch a "significant milestone" for the bank. He noted that client interest in digital assets continues to grow.
Rola Abu Manneh, Standard Chartered's chief executive officer for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, said the bank is proud to be the first international bank in the UAE to launch a cryptocurrency trading offering.
Global Expansion of Crypto Services
Standard Chartered is broadening its cryptocurrency offerings around the world. Earlier this month, the bank announced plans to offer crypto custody services for institutional clients in Singapore. It already provides similar services in the UAE, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong.
The launch comes as banks globally have started integrating bitcoin-related products. Some U.S. and European banks are custodying crypto assets for institutions, while others offer trading through their main banking apps.
Why This Matters for UAE Investors
The service gives wealthy UAE clients a regulated way to access bitcoin without leaving their banking relationship. Investors can buy cryptocurrency through a trusted, supervised institution rather than using separate crypto platforms.
Custody refers to the secure storage of assets. Standard Chartered says its closed-loop model reduces exposure to risks that can come from third-party wallet providers.
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.