Standard Chartered has officially launched a new cryptocurrency trading service for affluent clients, marking a major industry milestone as the first international bank in the United Arab Emirates to offer direct digital asset trading. Announced in Singapore, the debut allows qualified investors to incorporate digital assets into their portfolios through a fully regulated and integrated banking framework.
The new service enables eligible clients to trade Bitcoin and Ether directly through their existing Standard Chartered bank accounts, bypassing the need for external platforms or individual digital wallets. By operating within a closed-loop system, the bank manages end-to-end custody and settlement internally, significantly mitigating the operational and third-party wallet risks traditionally associated with digital asset investments.
Developed through a cross-divisional effort combining the bank’s Wealth and Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking units alongside SC Ventures-backed Zodia Markets, the offering integrates institutional-grade liquidity and client access. Regulated by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority in the UAE, the service initially targets licensed Professional Investor clients in the region, with plans for subsequent international expansion across other key global wealth hubs.
The move comes as digital assets increasingly transition into mainstream wealth management, driven by clearer global regulatory standards and rising demand from high-net-worth individuals seeking portfolio diversification. The launch builds upon Standard Chartered’s existing digital asset capabilities, which already include access to cryptocurrency ETFs, structured products, OTC derivatives, and tokenisation services.
