Standard Chartered Launches Direct UAE Crypto Trading

Standard Chartered has launched a cryptocurrency trading service for wealthy clients in the United Arab Emirates, allowing eligible investors to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ether directly through their existing bank accounts, according to CoinGape.

Regulatory Approval and Scope

The service has received approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and is initially available to Professional Investor clients in the UAE. Customers can trade cryptocurrencies without opening accounts on separate exchanges or setting up personal digital wallets, with Standard Chartered handling custody and settlement within its banking ecosystem.

Developed through cooperation between the bank's Wealth and Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking divisions alongside Zodia Markets, the offering utilizes a closed-loop operating model. The bank stated that the structure is designed to reduce exposure to third-party wallet risks while providing institutional-grade custody safeguards.

## Key facts

• Standard Chartered launched direct Bitcoin and Ether trading for wealthy clients in the UAE.
• The service received regulatory approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
• The offering uses a closed-loop model developed with Zodia Markets, with the bank managing custody and settlement.
• Clients can trade directly through existing bank accounts without external wallets or separate exchange accounts.