MidChains FZE Joins Forces with Standard Chartered in Major Banking Collaboration

MidChains and Standard Chartered Form Strategic Alliance

On November 12, 2026, in Dubai, MidChains FZE, a digital asset platform under the purview of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), made headlines with the announcement of a significant alliance with Standard Chartered. This collaboration will enable MidChains to leverage a variety of essential banking services provided by Standard Chartered, which include capabilities for fiat currency settlements, dedicated client accounts, and correspondent banking services. These offerings are critical to the smooth operation and efficient transaction processing essential for a digital asset platform.

Insights from Leadership

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, highlighted the UAE's emergence as a prime regulatory landscape for digital asset firms and a hub for global financial activities.

"The robust regulatory framework in the UAE allows regulated digital asset firms and traditional financial institutions to collaborate effectively. Our partnership with MidChains exemplifies this synergy by providing banking solutions that cater to their institutional functions,"

she said. This partnership will seamlessly integrate the necessary financial services that facilitate the operational needs of MidChains.

Basil Al Askari, the CEO of MidChains, emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection between traditional finance and digital asset markets. He stated,

"As capital transitions between traditional financial systems and digital markets, there is a pressing need for the infrastructure supporting those movements to be agile. Our collaboration with Standard Chartered establishes this vital link, enhancing our ability to support institutional investors in navigating both environments."

Impact on the Digital Asset Sector

This partnership not only reinforces MidChains’ position in the digital asset sector but also illustrates the effective merging of regulated financial systems with innovative digital practices within the UAE. Since its inception in 2019, MidChains has positioned itself as a VARA-licensed digital asset infrastructure provider, offering various services to institutional and corporate clientele. Backed by notable investors including Mubadala Investment Company and Brevan Howard, MidChains specializes in OTC execution, regulated transactions, and cross-border settlement involving stablecoins.

About Standard Chartered

As for Standard Chartered, it operates across 55 dynamic markets globally, aiming to foster commerce and prosperity while promoting values of diversity and sustainability. The bank is publicly traded on stock exchanges in London and Hong Kong, and maintains a prominent presence in the banking industry.