Emirates NBD Enters Digital Asset Space with Crypto Trading on Liv X App

Emirates NBD has launched cryptocurrency trading services on its Liv X digital banking app, enabling retail customers in the UAE to buy, sell, and hold digital assets within a regulated banking environment.

The service, built using infrastructure from Aquanow and licensed by Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), allows Liv X users to trade selected cryptocurrencies directly through the banking app. The integration means customers can manage both traditional banking products and digital asset holdings within a single platform.

Emirates NBD's entry into the digital asset space through Liv represents one of the most significant moves by a major Gulf bank into retail crypto services. While several regional banks have launched institutional digital asset custody services, Liv's offering is one of the first to target retail banking customers with accessible trading capabilities.

The VARA licence ensures that the service operates within Dubai's regulatory framework for virtual assets, providing customers with consumer protections and oversight that are absent from unregulated crypto exchanges. Emirates NBD said the regulated environment is a key differentiator for customers who want exposure to digital assets but are concerned about the risks associated with unregulated platforms.

Liv X, the upgraded version of Emirates NBD's digital banking platform, has been expanding its product range to include investment, trading, and wealth management capabilities alongside traditional banking services. The addition of crypto trading continues this evolution toward a comprehensive financial super-app.

The launch follows Emirates NBD's broader digital asset strategy, which has included investments in blockchain payment infrastructure and institutional custody partnerships.