Dubai's Emirates NBD launches crypto trading

Dubai's government-owned bank, Emirates NBD, has made a significant move into the cryptocurrency market by launching crypto trading services through its digital banking subsidiary Liv.

This initiative allows customers to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies via the Liv X app, in collaboration with Aquanow, a licensed digital asset platform, and Zodia Custody for secure asset management.

The Liv X app enables retail clients in the UAE to trade major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC), Ether (CRYPTO:ETH), Solana (CRYPTO:SOL), XRP (CRYPTO:XRP), and Cardano (CRYPTO:ADA).

This development marks a significant step towards mainstream crypto adoption in the UAE, where Emirates NBD is one of the most trusted financial institutions.

According to Aquanow CEO Phil Sham, this collaboration highlights how traditional banking and digital assets can coexist, providing consumers with seamless access to the digital economy.

Marwan Hadi, Emirates NBD's retail banking head, emphasised the bank's commitment to innovation, capitalising on the UAE's high crypto adoption rate.

The UAE has established itself as a crypto hub with clear regulations, attracting major exchanges like Binance and Crypto.com.

Emirates NBD's move aligns with its growing interest in blockchain technology, having previously tested blockchain-based systems for anti-fraud purposes.

As the UAE continues to see rapid growth in crypto activity, Emirates NBD's entry into retail crypto trading reflects the country's proactive approach to digital assets.

With the Liv X app, customers can manage both their day-to-day finances and cryptocurrency investments within a single platform, ensuring a user-friendly experience while maintaining high security standards.

The integration of crypto services into traditional banking signals a broader shift towards mainstream crypto adoption, not just in the UAE but globally.

This trend is supported by the UAE's regulatory framework, which has encouraged significant investment in digital assets.

In summary, Emirates NBD's launch of crypto trading on the Liv X app represents a significant milestone in the UAE's journey to become a leading crypto hub, combining innovation with regulatory compliance to drive digital asset adoption.