Standard Chartered is expanding its institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading into the UAE through Standard Chartered DIFC. The move makes it the first Global Systemically Important Bank to offer this capability in the market, and currently the only global bank offering institutional digital asset spot trading in the region.
The launch adds execution to the custody services Standard Chartered already provides in the UAE. Eligible institutional clients will be able to trade deliverable Bitcoin and Ether spot through the bank’s existing electronic trading channels, accessing crypto through the same interfaces they already use for FX. Clients can settle trades with a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered’s own digital asset custody solution, which launched in September 2024.
Rola Abu Manneh, CEO for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, said: “The UAE has developed a clear digital assets regulatory framework that supports institutional participation and innovation. Extending our Bitcoin and Ether spot trading capability to institutional clients is a significant step in broadening our regulated digital asset proposition in the market. By combining execution with secure custody, governance and the connectivity of a global bank, we are providing clients with a more integrated way to participate in digital asset markets.”
Christopher Parsons, Senior Executive Officer at Standard Chartered DIFC, said: “DIFC provides an established platform for international financial institutions to deploy global capabilities across markets. Extending our institutional digital asset trading capability through the Centre demonstrates the strength of that model, combining Standard Chartered’s global markets expertise and network with a regulated base from which we can serve clients across the region.”
Standard Chartered first launched institutional Bitcoin and Ether spot trading through its UK branch in July 2025, becoming the first G-SIB to offer deliverable spot crypto trading to institutional clients. The UAE rollout extends that capability into a market where the bank has already been building out its institutional digital asset business.
The launch fits into Standard Chartered’s wider digital assets strategy, which covers custody, trading and tokenisation through its Corporate and Investment Bank, alongside Zodia Markets and Libeara within its ventures arm.
Digital Trade Outlook’s View: Standard Chartered
Digital Trade Outlook View: This cements Standard Chartered as the clearest example of a global bank building crypto rails alongside, not instead of, traditional trade and FX infrastructure. Expect UAE to become a proving ground other G-SIBs watch closely before deciding how fast to follow into regulated institutional crypto trading.
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