Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin Trading in the UAE

Standard Chartered has officially opened spot bitcoin trading services for institutional clients based in the United Arab Emirates. This move makes the bank the first global financial institution to offer such services within the country. The bank aims to provide a secure and integrated path for large investors to enter the digital asset market.

The launch follows the bank's introduction of digital asset custody services in the UAE last year. Standard Chartered previously established a dedicated crypto trading desk in London during 2025, which functions alongside its existing forex operations. This expansion highlights the bank's growing focus on incorporating crypto assets into its global service offerings.

Rola Abu Manneh, the bank's regional CEO, noted that the UAE has created a regulatory environment that encourages institutional involvement. By combining custody and trading execution, the bank intends to support professional investors who want to handle digital assets through a traditional banking partner.

Looking ahead, analysts at the bank remain optimistic about the price of bitcoin. Recent research from the firm suggests that the asset could see significant upward movement before the end of the year. Market watchers will now track how other traditional banks respond to this shift in institutional accessibility.