Dubai-based crypto-asset platform CoinMENA FZE has announced a strategic agreement with international banking giant Standard Chartered. The partnership aims to solidify fiat payment infrastructure for the VARA-licensed broker-dealer, signaling a growing integration between regulated digital asset firms and legacy financial institutions in the UAE.
Quick Facts
- Strategic partnership with Standard Chartered.
- Focus on improving fiat on- and off-ramps.
- Operates under Dubai’s VARA license.
Bridging Crypto and Traditional Finance
Under the new agreement, CoinMENA will leverage Standard Chartered’s banking services to enhance its fiat transaction capabilities. The solution includes safeguarded client money accounts and high-speed settlement rails, which are designed to enable faster funding, more efficient settlements, and greater transparency for CoinMENA’s customer base across the MENA region.
In a joint statement, CoinMENA Group Co-Founders Dina Sam’an and Talal Tabbaa commented on the significance of the move. “As digital assets mature globally, the institutions shaping finance must bridge innovation with trust at scale. This reflects a regional shift where regulated platforms are joining mainstream financial infrastructure rather than operating alongside it. We believe the industry’s future depends on strong banking, regulatory, and operational foundations, not just technology. Partnering with Standard Chartered reinforces that vision and supports our continued investment in institutional-grade infrastructure for customers in MENA.”
UAE’s Regulatory Framework Attracts Major Players
The collaboration underscores the UAE’s increasingly mature regulatory environment for digital assets. By creating clear frameworks, regulators like Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have opened the door for established financial players to engage with the crypto sector.
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, highlighted this trend. “The UAE has established itself as one of the world’s leading regulatory environments for digital assets, creating opportunities for regulated firms and established financial institutions to work together. As the sector continues to mature, trusted banking infrastructure will remain essential to supporting its long-term development. We look forward to supporting CoinMENA’s growth in the UAE.”
About CoinMENA
CoinMENA Group provides accessible crypto investment options across the MENA region. CoinMENA FZE is licensed as a broker-dealer VASP by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), while CoinMENA B.S.C. (c) is licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) as a crypto asset service provider.
Source: MEA TechWatch
