14 October 2026
Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin Trading and Custody Services for Wealthy Clients in the UAE
Standard Chartered has unveiled a groundbreaking service for affluent clients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing them to trade bitcoin and ether directly through their bank accounts. This initiative, launched in partnership with Zodia Markets, marks a significant milestone as it is the first time an international bank has offered such services globally.
The approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation in the digital asset sector. This service enables clients to buy and sell cryptocurrencies without the need for a centralized exchange or a separate digital wallet.
Samir Subberwal, Standard Chartered's global head of wealth solutions, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating that it reflects the growing client interest in digital assets. He noted that clients seek security and trust when investing through a regulated institution.
In collaboration with Zodia Markets, the bank will manage the custody and settlement of digital assets, combining its banking expertise with advanced cryptocurrency trading systems. Currently, the service supports transactions in bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) for eligible clients, with no immediate plans for additional cryptocurrencies.
Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan, highlighted the UAE's progressive regulatory environment as a key factor in choosing it as the launch location for this innovative service.
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