Standard Chartered Launches Direct Bitcoin and Ether Trading for UAE Clients

Standard Chartered has begun offering direct trading of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) to affluent clients in the UAE, allowing them to purchase these cryptocurrencies directly from their bank accounts. This service, which went live on October 14, 2026, positions Standard Chartered as the first international bank to provide such direct digital-asset trading in the region.

The new offering enables eligible clients to trade BTC and ETH through their existing accounts without needing to use separate exchanges or transfer funds to third-party platforms. The bank describes this service as a closed-loop model, ensuring that both money and crypto remain within the bank's system, supported by institutional-grade custody and settlement processes.

This initiative is regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and is limited to clients who meet specific professional investor criteria, which include certain thresholds for investment knowledge and liquid net worth. The pricing structure features spreads of up to 2%, with no additional transaction or custody fees in certain scenarios.

Standard Chartered's foray into digital assets is part of a gradual expansion that began with its digital-asset custody business in September 2024, followed by institutional trading in the UK and Dubai. The launch of direct trading for affluent individuals represents a significant milestone in the bank's strategy to integrate digital assets into its offerings.

For investors in the UAE, this development simplifies the process of acquiring cryptocurrencies, which previously required navigating multiple platforms. However, the cost associated with trading may lead some frequent traders to prefer dedicated exchanges. The launch also aligns with the UAE's ambition to become a regulated hub for virtual assets, signaling a maturation of its regulatory framework.