Standard Chartered has begun offering institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates direct trading in bitcoin and ether, extending a digital asset push that began with custody services in the Gulf nation almost two years ago and positioning the London-based lender ahead of global rivals in a market racing to become a regional crypto hub.

The bank said eligible institutional investors can now execute deliverable spot trades in the two largest cryptocurrencies through its existing electronic channels, with settlement available through a custodian of the client’s choosing, including Standard Chartered’s own digital asset custody solution. The service is integrated into the bank’s existing platforms, allowing clients to place crypto…