Standard Chartered Opens BTC and ETH Trading to UAE Wealthy Clients

Standard Chartered has expanded its spot cryptocurrency trading services to professional investors in the United Arab Emirates, announcing Wednesday that eligible clients can now trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) directly through their existing Standard Chartered bank accounts. The London-headquartered multinational bank launched UAE crypto trading services for institutional clients in early September, and the latest move extends access to high-net-worth individuals who meet the bank's stringent eligibility requirements. To qualify, individuals must hold at least 4 million dirhams (approximately $1.1 million) in net assets excluding their primary residence, along with sufficient investment knowledge and experience—or representation through a licensed entity.

"Digital assets are moving into mainstream wealth conversations," said Samir Subberwal, global head of wealth solutions, retail products, data and analytics at Standard Chartered. He noted that the bank's clients are increasingly seeking "the security, trust and confidence that comes from investing through a regulated and trusted institution," signaling growing demand for regulated crypto exposure among affluent investors in the Gulf region.

Standard Chartered's expansion reflects a broader wave of crypto adoption across the UAE. On Monday, Payward—the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken—received approval from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to provide crypto services through its local entity. In July, neobank Revolut also received in-principle approval from VARA to offer crypto-related services. These moves position the UAE as one of the most progressive regulatory environments for digital assets globally, attracting major financial institutions and crypto firms seeking compliant market entry.

The UAE's crypto-friendly regulatory framework, combined with its concentration of high-net-worth investors, has made it a strategic priority for global banks and exchanges looking to expand digital asset offerings. With Standard Chartered now serving both institutional and professional clients in the region, competition among regulated providers is intensifying, giving wealthy UAE investors more options for accessing major digital assets like Bitcoin and Ether through established banking channels.