Standard Chartered Launches Direct Bitcoin and Ether Trading for Wealthy UAE Clients
BANK OFFERS DIRECT CRYPTO TRADING TO WEALTHY UAE INVESTORS
Standard Chartered has launched a cryptocurrency trading service for affluent clients in the United Arab Emirates, allowing eligible investors to buy and sell bitcoin and ether directly through their existing bank accounts.
The London-based bank said the service is the first of its kind offered by an international bank in the UAE and marks the first time the bank has offered cryptocurrency trading directly to wealthy clients in any market.
Initially, the service will be available to clients classified as professional investors.
KEY DETAILS
- Clients can trade bitcoin and ether through existing Standard Chartered bank accounts
- No separate cryptocurrency wallets or third-party trading platforms are required
- The bank manages custody and settlement through a closed-loop model
- Standard Chartered received licensing approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
- The service operates through Zodia Markets, backed by the bank's SC Ventures unit
WHAT THE BANK SAID
According to the bank's announcement, the closed-loop model means Standard Chartered handles custody and settlement within its own ecosystem. This removes the need for clients to use external cryptocurrency wallets or engage with third-party exchanges, which is typically how crypto trading works outside traditional banking.
The new offering brings together the bank's wealth and retail banking divisions alongside its corporate and investment banking business.
PAST CRYPTO OFFERINGS
Standard Chartered already provides eligible clients with access to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives. The bank also launched institutional bitcoin and ether spot trading through its U.K. arm in July 2025 and expanded that offering to the UAE on Sept. 3, 2026.
GLOBAL EXPANSION PLANS
Standard Chartered said it plans to expand the new trading service to other markets, but did not provide a timeline for when it might become available elsewhere.
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.