Exchange Ranking
Top Exchanges
24h Volume Ranking
Popularity Ranking
Exchange BTC Balance
Proof of Reserves
Decentralized Exchanges
Funding Rate
Funding Heatmap
Liquidation Data
Max Pain
Long/Short Ratio
Whale L/S Ratio
Binance/Okex/Huobi L/S
Bitfinex Margin L/S
ETF Tracker
Solana ETF
XRP ETF
Hong Kong ETF
Bitcoin Treasuries
Crypto Reversal
Ethereum Reserves
HyperLiquid Wallet Analysis
Hyperliquid Whale Watch
Large Transactions
On-chain Movement
Bitcoin ROI
Stablecoin Market Cap
Options Analysis
News
Articles
Economic Calendar
Features
Wallet
Contract Calculator
Security
Collections
Watchlist
Following
BTC 
ETH Standard Chartered Bank offers direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services for high-net-worth clients in the UAE
Standard Chartered Bank recently launched direct Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading services for qualified wealthy clients in the UAE. Customers can conduct transactions using their existing bank accounts, without the need to create separate cryptocurrency wallets or use third-party platforms.
This service has received approval from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and it operates under a closed-loop custody and settlement model. Standard Chartered Bank stated that this initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with using external wallets, while also ensuring that transactions are closely linked to the customer’s existing banking relationships.
A world-first banking crypto trading service
Standard Chartered Bank announced this service on October 14, 2026. It is said to be the first time a bank has offered such services globally, and it represents the first crypto trading service offered by an international bank in the UAE. Initially, this service will be available only to professional investor clients in the UAE.
Standard Chartered Bank has indicated that it has obtained the necessary licenses from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which is responsible for regulating virtual asset activities within the UAE. With this newly offered service, customers can directly access Bitcoin and Ethereum, without the need to create separate cryptocurrency wallets or rely on third-party trading platforms. Standard Chartered Bank will manage custody and settlement processes through its internal systems, a so-called “closed-loop model”. This arrangement aims to reduce customers’ exposure to risks associated with external wallets, while maintaining connectivity with existing bank relationships.
This service combines Standard Chartered Bank’s wealth management and retail banking services, as well as its corporate and investment banking capabilities, with Zodia Markets, a digital asset company supported by SC Ventures. This framework integrates trading capabilities, liquidity, and custody functions into a single service.
Expanding its digital asset product portfolio
The introduction of this cryptocurrency trading service further enhances Standard Chartered Bank’s existing wealth management offerings. Previously, the bank had provided customers with investment opportunities in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through its cash equity platform. It also allowed qualified customers to access the crypto market through structured products and over-the-counter derivatives.
Samir Subberwal, Head of Global Wealth Solutions, Retail Products, Data & Analytics at Standard Chartered Bank, stated that integrating digital assets into the bank’s core wealth management products is a significant step forward. He noted that customers are increasingly seeking services that allow them to enter the market while enjoying the safety of investments made through regulated financial institutions.
Standard Chartered Bank stated that they chose the UAE as their first market due to its favorable regulatory environment and its growing role in the field of digital assets. The UAE is also one of Standard Chartered Bank’s four global wealth management centers. In the future, Standard Chartered Bank plans to expand this service to other markets, but no specific countries or launch dates have been announced yet. Additionally, the bank has not disclosed any minimum investment requirements, transaction fees, or transaction limits.
Currently, the initial service is limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum. The announcement does not mention support for Ripple or other cryptocurrencies.
Other interesting crypto news:
Ripple has partnered with Korean firm Meritz Securities to explore cryptocurrency custody and tokenization services in Korea.
