Standard Chartered Launches Institutional Bitcoin and Ether Spot Trading in the UAE
Standard Chartered became the first G-SIB to offer institutional BTC and ETH spot trading in the UAE through its DIFC-based arm.
Why it matters
The move signals expanding institutional crypto infrastructure in the UAE and positions Standard Chartered as a leading traditional finance provider of digital asset services in the region. If confirmed by additional reporting, it would represent a milestone for G-SIB-level involvement in direct crypto spot trading.
Key facts
The offering runs through Standard Chartered DIFC, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority
Reported by CryptoPotato
Standard Chartered DIFC stated it is the only global bank currently providing institutional digital asset spot trading in the region
Reported by CryptoPotato
Clients can settle through a custodian of their choice, including Standard Chartered's own custody solution
Reported by CryptoPotato
Standard Chartered's digital asset custody solution went live in September 2024
Reported by CryptoPotato
Rola Abu Manneh is Chief Executive Officer for the UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered
Reported by CryptoPotato
What happened
CryptoPotato reported that Standard Chartered extended deliverable Bitcoin and Ether spot trading to institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates on September 3, making it the first Global Systemically Important Bank to offer such a service in the country. The offering is provided through Standard Chartered DIFC, the bank's arm in the Dubai International Financial Center, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The bank said it is the only global bank currently providing institutional digital asset spot trading in the region. The new service adds trade execution to an existing custody offering in the UAE; trades are deliverable, meaning clients take possession of the underlying assets at settlement, and they may settle through a custodian of their choice. Standard Chartered DIFC CEO Rola Abu Manneh cited the UAE's clear digital assets regulatory framework as supporting institutional participation. The article notes this builds on a prior UK launch, and that the bank's own digital asset custody solution went live in September 2024.
How the story developed
- First report
First report by CryptoPotato
Standard Chartered Extends Institutional Bitcoin and Ether Spot Trading to the UAE
- Update
Standard Chartered launches institutional BTC and ETH spot trading in the UAE
Deliverable spot trading went live on September 3 through the DIFC arm, building on a prior UK launch
Affected entities
Also mentioned: Ripple, Base, Japan, Chainlink
Original sources
| Publisher | Report | Role | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| CryptoPotato Crypto media | Standard Chartered Extends Institutional Bitcoin and Ether Spot Trading to the UAE | Original |
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