Standard Chartered (SC) Launches Crypto Trading Services in UAE

On October 14, 2026, Standard Chartered announced that it has received a license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to launch cryptocurrency trading services in the UAE, aiming to be the first international bank to offer such services in the region. SC

• Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio currently stands at 1.23, compared to its historical median of approximately 1.2x, indicating that earnings-based valuation (P/E) does not apply due to the company's unprofitable status.
• GF Score™ is 0/100, reflecting significant challenges in financial performance.
• Standard Chartered's current P/E ratio is 4.14, but this metric is not meaningful for a loss-making company.

What's Behind the News?

The recent licensing by VARA allows Standard Chartered to offer cryptocurrency trading services directly to qualified professional investors in the UAE. This move is significant as it positions the bank as a pioneer among international banks in the region, facilitating direct trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum through existing accounts without the need for external wallets or platforms. The bank's strategy focuses on integrating trading, asset custody, and settlement into its internal systems, thereby minimizing risks associated with third-party services and enhancing transaction efficiency.