Standard Chartered Launches Spot Bitcoin, Ether Trading for UAE Institutions

Standard Chartered has launched spot bitcoin and ether trading and custody services for institutional clients in the UAE, providing a bank-led, regulated on-ramp for local institutions to access crypto markets. This expansion into the MENA market is likely to increase institutional demand and liquidity for Bitcoin by lowering barriers to entry and offering familiar custody and compliance frameworks. The move also signals continued mainstream banking adoption of crypto services, increasing competitive pressure on other banks and exchanges to provide compliant institutional trading desks.