Dubai’s Emirates NBD launches crypto trading via Liv X App: Dubai’s largest bank, Emirates NBD, partnered with Aquanow, a global digital asset infrastructure provider, to introduce cryptocurrency trading through its digital banking arm, Liv, according to a statement. The launch allows users to buy, sell, and trade crypto directly via the Liv X app.

How it works: Zodia Custody, an affiliate of Standard Chartered, will handle custody services, while Aquanow — licensed by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — powers the trading platform, Bloomberg reports, citing a statement.

The UAE is leading the region in crypto adoption, with 72% of UAE crypto users investing in BTC as of last April, contributing to a 166% jump in the number of daily traders in the region to 500k. “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 Marwan Hadi, Emirates NBD’s group head of retail banking and wealth management.

ICYMI- Last month, Aquanow partnered with Hubpay, a UAE-based cross-border payment platform, to introduce the UAE’s first fully regulated crypto payment facility for businesses and SMEs. The partnership allows businesses in real estate, manufacturing, and general trading to accept cryptocurrency securely alongside traditional fiat transactions.