Ruya Bank has launched in-app Bitcoin trading, becoming the first Shariah-compliant bank to allow customers to buy and sell cryptocurrency using a mobile banking app.
According to the bank, the move came after approval from the Shariah Governance Committee and was put in place with a regulated partner to process custody and payments.
Shariah Approval and Partnership
Ruya said it worked with regulated virtual asset infrastructure provider Fuze to manage custody, settlement and compliance for the transactions.
The bank has structured this service not as a tool for quick speculation, but as a Sharia-approved investment option. According to reports, Bitcoin will be the initial digital asset available at launch.
UAE Crypto Flow and Local Context
Between July 2023 and June 2024, the UAE recorded virtual asset inflows of around $30 billion, a 42% increase year-on-year, according to figures accompanying the launch.
Ruya Bank CEO: Bitcoin is now Shariah-compliant — a new chapter in Islamic digital finance https://t.co/sijVZfAJne via @unlockbc @myruyabank #islamicFinance #isBitcoinHalal #Sharia_Compliance #Bitcoin #quantum #Bitcoin News #UAE
— Unlock Blockchain (@unlockbc) December 8, 2025
The growth comes as banks and fintechs are more willing to add cryptocurrency features to their regulated apps as regulators in the UAE lay out clearer rules for virtual asset service providers.
How the Offering Works
Users who meet the banking conditions can buy and sell Bitcoin within the Ruya app. Transaction execution and storage will be handled by Fuze according to the outlined agreements.
The bank said its Shariah board had reviewed its structure to ensure compliance with Islamic finance principles, with a focus on transparency and clearer risk controls.
Potential Impact on Muslim Investors
For Muslims who avoid cryptocurrencies due to religious concerns, this provides a regulated pathway within traditional banks.
Analysts cited in the report suggested that the move could encourage conservative savers to hold some Bitcoin when they otherwise would not.
Adoption will depend on demand and whether other Islamic banks follow Ruya’s example.
What’s next
Ruya said it would consider offering other virtual assets at a later date, depending on demand and regulatory clarity. According to the report, the bank seeks to position the service as part of long-term wealth planning rather than short-term transactions.
This step is a notable moment. A Shariah-compliant bank has introduced Bitcoin trading with a regulated custodian into its core app.
Not only will it broaden accessibility for Muslim investors in the UAE and beyond, but it will also allow us to test how Islamic finance rules and modern cryptocurrency systems can be combined in practice.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
editing process for focuses on providing thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We adhere to strict sourcing standards and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of the content for readers.
