Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Bitcoin, Ether Trading in UAE

Standard Chartered launched digital-asset custody in the UAE in September 2024 before introducing deliverable Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through its UK branch in July 2025. Expanding execution services to the UAE brings trading and custody within a regulated banking framework, underscoring how established financial institutions are building crypto infrastructure in the Middle East to meet demand from corporates, investors and asset managers.

On Sept. 3, 2026, Standard Chartered said eligible institutional clients could trade deliverable Bitcoin and Ether through Standard Chartered DIFC, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The service is integrated with the bank’s electronic trading channels and familiar foreign-exchange interfaces. Clients may settle with a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered’s custody service. The bank disclosed no minimum trade size or financial targets.