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Standard Chartered Bank launched its institutional bitcoin and Ethereum spot trading business in Dubai, becoming the first Global Systematically Important Bank (G-SIB) in the Gulf to provide deliverable cryptocurrency trading.
The bank integrates trading, custody and tokenization services through its corporate arm, Zodia Markets and Libeara platform to facilitate institutional adoption.
Banks in the United Arab Emirates are expanding their custody, tokenized deposits, digital bonds and stablecoin infrastructure to strengthen the influence of regulated cryptocurrency services in institutional finance.
Standard Chartered Bank launches institutional bitcoin and Ethereum spot trading in Dubai
Standard Chartered Bank, through its Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) entity, has officially launched institutional bitcoin and Ethereum spot trading business.
According to an announcement issued by the bank, the move makes it the first Global Systematically Important Bank (G-SIB) in the Gulf to provide deliverable cryptocurrency transactions to institutional customers.
Customers can trade BTC/USD and ETH/USD trading pairs through the bank's infrastructure, while deliverable spot trading transfers purchased assets directly rather than settling in cash. This allows institutions to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through regulated banking partners.
This expansion in the United Arab Emirates is an extension of the services launched by Standard Chartered Bank through its UK branch in July 2025, making the bank the first global systemically important bank to provide institutional cryptocurrency trading. In addition, expansion in Dubai has introduced this banking model to the regional digital asset market.
Standard Chartered Bank's trading platform supports its cryptocurrency custody, trading and tokenization strategies, while the bank's corporate and investment banking arm oversees these institutional capabilities. In addition, its venture capital arm supports platforms including Zodia Markets and tokenization company Libeara.
Zodia Markets provides digital asset trading services, while Libeara helps companies create tokenized financial instruments, expanding Standard Chartered Bank's influence in the institutional market.
Other United Arab Emirates banks build tokenization infrastructure
Several banks have expanded their digital asset services in the United Arab Emirates. Bank of New York Mellon launched Bitcoin and Ethereum escrow services in Abu Dhabi in early 2026. At the same time, HSBC launched a tokenized deposit business for corporate customers in the United Arab Emirates in June.
First Bank of Abu Dhabi has tested tokenized deposits and participated in digital bond and stablecoin projects. It is worth noting that these initiatives show that banks 'interest has expanded beyond cryptocurrency transactions to blockchain settlement infrastructure.
However, Standard Chartered Bank's spot trading services are currently only available to institutional customers, not retail cryptocurrency traders. Eligible investors can have direct access to Bitcoin and Ethereum through the service without having to rely on a dedicated cryptocurrency exchange. As a result, this service may lower the threshold for institutions to demand regulated counterparties, established compliance procedures and bank risk control measures.
Standard Chartered Bank's expansion further consolidates the United Arab Emirates's position in institutional digital finance, while also integrating cryptocurrency trading, custody and tokenization services under the same banking strategy.
