Dubai’s Emirates NBD Introduces Crypto Trading on Liv X App, Marking Major Step in UAE’s Crypto Adoption

Emirates NBD, one of the largest and most prominent banking groups in the UAE, is diving into the world of cryptocurrency with the launch of a new trading service on its digital banking platform, Liv. Through a partnership with licensed crypto asset service provider Aquanow and custody services provider Zodia Custody, Emirates NBD is allowing its customers to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies on the Liv X app.

The new service was announced on March 6 and is available for retail clients in the United Arab Emirates. Liv X enables users to trade five major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP (XRP), and Cardano (ADA), a move that represents a significant step forward for crypto adoption in the region.

The service’s launch not only marks a milestone for Emirates NBD but also highlights the growing presence of digital assets in the UAE's financial landscape. This new offering allows customers to seamlessly integrate crypto trading with traditional banking services, all through the Liv X app, a platform designed to streamline and simplify digital banking experiences.

In addition to providing access to crypto assets, Liv’s service offering includes custodial solutions through Zodia Custody, which provides secure storage for digital assets. Zodia Custody secured a strategic investment from Emirates NBD in late 2024, a partnership that further reinforces the bank’s commitment to building a robust ecosystem for crypto trading and custody.

Phil Sham, CEO of Aquanow, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, "The launch of this offering with Emirates NBD marks a defining moment for digital assets in the UAE and beyond. As one of the region’s most trusted financial institutions embraces crypto, it signals a broader shift toward mainstream adoption."

Sham also emphasized that this partnership demonstrates the potential for traditional banking and digital assets to coexist, offering consumers a secure, compliant, and user-friendly entry point into the evolving digital economy.

Marwan Hadi, Emirates NBD’s head of retail banking, highlighted the bank’s innovative approach in response to the UAE’s increasing crypto adoption rate. "Offering cryptocurrency on Liv X is the next step toward our overall vision of Liv being a pioneer in innovation and excellence. 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 Hadi.

The UAE has been one of the fastest-growing markets for cryptocurrencies, with growing interest from both retail and institutional investors. By launching this crypto service, Emirates NBD is not only embracing the future of finance but is also positioning itself as a leader in bringing digital assets to mainstream consumers in the region.

This collaboration between Emirates NBD, Aquanow, and Zodia Custody underscores the broader trend of traditional financial institutions and digital assets converging, providing consumers with a secure and regulated platform for engaging in the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency.