Emirates NBD Enables Crypto Trading Through Liv X App

Dubai’s leading financial institution, Emirates NBD, has entered the cryptocurrency market through a strategic partnership with digital-assets firm Aquanow. This collaboration enables users of the bank’s digital arm, Liv, to seamlessly buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies via the Liv X app. The move reflects the UAE’s growing appetite for digital assets and highlights the increasing involvement of traditional banks in the crypto sector.

Institutional Interest in Crypto on the Rise

Over recent months, institutional engagement with cryptocurrencies has surged. A major milestone was reached on January 20, when Bitcoin soared to an all-time high of $109,241. This bullish trend has prompted global banks to expand their digital asset services. Notably, Italy’s Intesa Sanpaolo SpA executed its first spot Bitcoin transaction, while Switzerland’s PostFinance AG launched Ether staking in January.

“With the highest crypto adoption rate in the UAE, we are keen to launch our own virtual asset offering to capitalize on this trend,” said Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD.

Ensuring Secure Transactions

To guarantee the security of digital asset transactions, Emirates NBD has partnered with Aquanow, which operates under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Additionally, Zodia Custody, a subsidiary of Standard Chartered Plc, has been tasked with securely storing customers' crypto holdings. This multi-layered approach ensures compliance with regulatory standards while providing a safe trading environment.

Crypto Market Trends and Global Developments

The cryptocurrency sector has gained further momentum, partially influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto policies. In January, he signed an executive order aimed at strengthening the digital asset ecosystem. However, his proposal to include lesser-known tokens in a strategic reserve faced criticism, leading to temporary market instability.

Dubai’s Strengthening Position in Crypto Adoption

As of Thursday morning, Bitcoin was trading at $91,520 in London. Despite market fluctuations, Emirates NBD’s expansion into cryptocurrency trading underscores Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for digital asset adoption. With more banks integrating blockchain technology, the financial industry is edging closer to widespread crypto integration, marking a significant shift in global finance.