Standard Chartered Launches Cryptocurrency Trading Platform
Standard Chartered has unveiled a new cryptocurrency trading platform specifically designed for affluent clients residing in the United Arab Emirates. This platform enables clients to engage in buying and selling Bitcoin and Ether directly from their current bank accounts. The launch of this service was confirmed by the bank, which has received endorsement from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Initially, this offering will cater exclusively to Professional Investors in the UAE.
Streamlined Trading Process
This innovative service not only streamlines the trading process but also eliminates the need for clients to open separate accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges or manage personal digital wallets. Standard Chartered will oversee custody and settlement operations internally within its banking framework. This initiative marks the first time a global bank has rolled out a cryptocurrency trading service for its high-net-worth clientele in the UAE, as well as Standard Chartered’s inaugural venture into direct cryptocurrency trading for affluent customers worldwide.
The bank’s service was developed through a collaborative effort between its Wealth and Retail Banking divisions and its Corporate and Investment Banking arm, with assistance from Zodia Markets, a digital asset enterprise backed by SC Ventures. Although the bank has not set a timeline for expansion into other markets or specified which locations it is targeting, it does plan to extend this service in the future.
Trading Model and Security
Under this new model, eligible clients can trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) using their existing accounts at Standard Chartered. This approach features a closed-loop system, in which the bank manages all transactions, custody, and settlement without necessitating external wallet transfers. By using this structure, the bank aims to minimize risks related to third-party wallet usage while also offering high-level custody and operational safeguards.
Zodia Markets will play a key role alongside Standard Chartered’s wealth and investment banking segments, enriching the trading process with its expertise in digital assets. Details on minimum investments, trading fees, or any potential trading restrictions were not included in the announcement, leaving some specifics open to speculation.
Comments from Leadership
Samir Subberwal, who is Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Wealth Solutions, Retail Products, Data & Analytics, mentioned that the rising interest in digital assets is becoming integral to the bank’s wealth management strategy. “As digital assets gain traction in wealth conversations, clients are not just seeking access but also the assurance and reliability that comes with investing through a trusted, regulated financial institution,” he stated.
Previous Offerings and Future Plans
Prior to offering direct cryptocurrency trading, Standard Chartered had already made provisions for its eligible wealth clients to access cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds via its cash equities platform. This prior range of investment options included structured products and OTC derivatives that targeted cryptocurrency markets, and the new offering now provides customers the opportunity for direct BTC and ETH transactions with the added convenience of in-house custody and settlement services.
This latest service launch in the UAE follows a series of prior cryptocurrency offerings meant for institutional clients introduced by the bank over the past couple of years. Back in September 2026, Standard Chartered initiated institutional spot trading for Bitcoin and Ether through its branch at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), providing qualified clients with the ability to carry out deliverable trades. Unlike the new wealth product, this institutional offering operates differently, allowing clients to choose their own custodians for settlement purposes.
In July 2025, Standard Chartered had expanded its team with the launch of spot cryptocurrency trading in the UK, primarily aimed at institutional customers, including corporations, asset managers, and professional investors.
Regulatory Approval and Future Developments
The bank’s foray into the UAE’s digital asset custody market began in September 2024 after securing the necessary regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Brevan Howard Digital was the first customer on board for this custody service, which primarily focused on Bitcoin and Ether. With the current wealth service, Standard Chartered has achieved VARA licensing approval, solidifying its position in the UAE market.
Rola Abu Manneh, the Chief Executive Officer for Standard Chartered in the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, lauded the UAE as a prime location for launching this service, citing the country’s proactive stance on innovation and solid regulatory framework that fosters growth in the digital assets space. She noted, “With its strong regulatory environment and forward-thinking approach to digital asset advancement, the UAE is a natural fit for this launch.”
Beyond its cryptocurrency trading ambitions, Standard Chartered is also actively working on developing custody services tailored for stablecoins and tokenized assets. On October 12, it unveiled RLUSD custody services through its DIFC operations, partnering with Ripple to enable institutional clients to manage the Ripple dollar-backed stablecoin. Plans are also in motion for a collateral service that would allow these clients to use RLUSD as trading collateral, contingent upon internal approvals and regulatory compliance.
The bank has a history of collaboration with cryptocurrency exchange OKX to facilitate collateral arrangements that let institutions trade using assets not kept on the exchange itself. Recently, on October 8, Standard Chartered announced intentions for a similar service in Singapore aimed at institutional and accredited corporate investors, although the launch date and qualified digital assets have yet to be disclosed.
Conclusion
In summary, Standard Chartered is rapidly expanding its footprint in the digital asset landscape by offering diverse trading and custody solutions globally, with a notable focus on serving high-net-worth clients and positioning itself as a trusted player in the evolving marketplace.
