MidChains FZE, a digital asset platform licensed by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to offer broker-dealer services to retail, institutional, and qualified investors, has announced a strategic banking partnership with Standard Chartered. The collaboration is set to enhance MidChains' institutional services by integrating traditional banking infrastructure with digital asset operations.
Under the partnership, Standard Chartered will support MidChains with a range of banking services, including fiat settlement capabilities, segregated client money accounts, and correspondent banking. These services are designed to power MidChains' day-to-day operations and enable efficient settlement for its clients.
Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, Standard Chartered, commented: “The UAE has established itself as one of the world’s leading regulatory environments for digital assets and a global centre for financial activity. That creates a strong setting for regulated digital asset firms and established financial institutions to work together. Our partnership with MidChains puts that opportunity into practice, with Standard Chartered providing the banking services that support its institutional activity, including fiat settlement, segregated client money accounts and correspondent banking.”
Basil Al Askari, Chief Executive Officer, MidChains, added: “Institutional capital moves continuously between traditional and digital markets, and the infrastructure supporting that activity must keep pace. For institutional investors, digital asset services need to connect with the banking system that supports their wider activity. Our partnership with Standard Chartered brings that connection to MidChains’ institutional services, supporting clients as capital moves between traditional and digital markets.”
By bringing together a VARA-licensed digital asset platform and an established international bank, the partnership connects institutional digital asset activity with the banking infrastructure behind fiat settlement. It serves as a practical example of how the UAE’s regulated financial ecosystem can link innovation with established banking capabilities to support international business.
About MidChains
MidChains is a VARA-licensed regulated digital asset infrastructure provider headquartered in the UAE, serving institutional and corporate clients globally. Operating as a regulated entity since 2019, MidChains holds a VARA Broker-Dealer licence for retail, institutional, and qualified investors.
MidChains is backed by Mubadala Investment Company, Lunate, MIAX Exchange Group, Brevan Howard, GSR, Emurgo, Dhabi Holdings, and Ava Labs. Services include institutional OTC execution, regulated on/off ramps, and stablecoin-enabled corporate treasury execution and cross-border settlement.
About Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group, with a presence in 55 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Their purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through unique diversity, and heritage and values are expressed in brand promise, here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.