Dubai’s state-owned bank Emirates NBD has introduced cryptocurrency trading on its digital banking app, Liv X. The initiative, launched in partnership with Aquanow and Zodia Custody, allows UAE retail users to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Cardano. This marks a significant move toward integrating digital assets within traditional banking.
The partnership signals growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies in the UAE. Aquanow CEO Phil Sham highlighted the development as a major step toward mainstream adoption, demonstrating how traditional banks and digital assets can operate together securely and compliantly.
Emirates NBD’s retail banking head, Marwan Hadi, emphasized the bank’s commitment to innovation and meeting increasing local demand for crypto services. The UAE continues to experience high adoption rates, making this expansion a strategic move for the bank to tap into the growing digital asset market.
The bank has shown increasing interest in blockchain and crypto technology, previously experimenting with blockchain-based anti-fraud measures. Its foray into retail crypto trading aligns with broader regional trends, as the UAE strengthens its position as a global hub for digital finance.
