Standard Chartered Launches Bitcoin Trading for UAE Wealth Clients

Standard Chartered Enters UAE Retail Bitcoin Market

British multinational Standard Chartered announced Wednesday a new Bitcoin trading service aimed at its wealthy clients in the United Arab Emirates. This marks the first time an international bank in the UAE has offered such a service directly to its customers.

The move follows Standard Chartered’s launch of Bitcoin trading for institutional clients in the UAE last month. The bank initially established a dedicated trading desk for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in London in 2025, positioning itself as an early adopter among global financial institutions.

Samir Subberwal, Standard Chartered’s global head of wealth solutions, emphasized the growing client demand for digital assets. “As client interest in digital assets continues to grow, this launch represents a significant milestone…as we bring digital assets into our core wealth offering,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of security and trust for investors choosing a regulated institution.

The service allows clients to purchase Bitcoin directly through their Standard Chartered bank accounts, eliminating the need for third-party applications or wallets. The bank will manage custody and settlement internally, minimizing risks associated with external wallet providers. This closed-loop model is intended to provide a more secure trading experience.

Standard Chartered is actively expanding its cryptocurrency offerings globally, with plans to offer crypto custody services for institutional clients in Singapore. The service is currently available in the UAE, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong, reflecting a broader trend of mainstream financial institutions integrating Bitcoin and other digital assets into their services.

Source: Bitcoin Magazine