Emirates NBD, one of the leading financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates, has made a significant move into the digital asset sector with the integration of cryptocurrency trading into its mobile banking platform, Liv X. This new feature, introduced in March 2025, enables customers in the UAE to buy, sell, and manage a range of cryptocurrencies directly from their smartphones, positioning the bank at the forefront of digital finance in the region. The move reflects the growing interest and demand for cryptocurrency services among retail investors in the Middle East.
The integration of cryptocurrency trading into a traditional banking platform is a notable step in the UAE’s financial evolution. The country has become a hub for cryptocurrency activity in recent years, with over $30 billion in crypto transactions flowing through the UAE between July 2023 and June 2024, according to a report from Chainalysis, and the crypto options for users keep growing. Collaboration with experienced crypto marketing agencies is on the rise ( source: https://wbfex.com/ ), as users try to find new and innovative uses for the crypto assets, further driving engagement and trade volume.
This level of transaction volume places the UAE among the top 40 countries globally for crypto activity. Additionally, it’s estimated that approximately 30% of the UAE’s population currently holds some form of cryptocurrency, highlighting the increasing popularity of digital assets in the region.
Liv X, the digital banking subsidiary of Emirates NBD, which has launched its crypto offering, now offers the ability to trade five major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, and Cardano (ADA). These assets are available for purchase and sale through the same mobile application that users already use to manage their everyday banking needs.
The integration aims to provide a seamless experience for customers, allowing them to manage both traditional financial products and digital assets in one place. To make the service more appealing, Emirates NBD has introduced an introductory trading fee of just 0.5%, a move designed to attract new users and foster wider adoption of crypto trading.
The launch of the cryptocurrency trading feature was developed in collaboration with Aquanow, which was awarded a VASP licence by the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This partnership ensures that Liv X adheres to the UAE’s regulatory framework for virtual assets, providing a secure and compliant platform for users. Additionally, the assets on the platform are safeguarded through Zodia Custody, a London-based custodian that specialises in digital asset storage. Emirates NBD made a strategic investment in Zodia Custody in late 2024, solidifying its commitment to providing a secure environment for cryptocurrency transactions.
One of the key benefits of the Liv X platform is its ability to allow users to trade cryptocurrencies without needing to rely on third-party wallets or separate applications. This integration simplifies the user experience and eliminates the friction that often comes with managing digital assets on multiple platforms. Furthermore, the app’s design is focused on providing a secure and user-friendly interface, making it easier for both seasoned cryptocurrency investors and newcomers to navigate the complexities of the digital asset market.