A New Milestone for Islamic Banking
UAE-based digital bank ruya has taken a historic step by becoming the first Islamic bank in the world to offer direct crypto trading through its mobile app. Customers can now buy and sell Bitcoin and other virtual assets in a way that aligns with Islamic finance values. The service launched in April 2025 through a partnership with Fuze, a licensed digital asset infrastructure provider.
The platform follows Shariah principles that emphasize transparency, ethical conduct, and interest-free financial activity. This structure aims to give Muslim investors an entry point into the digital economy without compromising their beliefs.
How ruya Plans to Transform Digital Finance
ruya’s CEO, Christoph Koster, said the bank wants to reshape how customers interact with virtual assets. He explained that the goal is to integrate crypto services into everyday banking while keeping the experience responsible and sustainable. Fuze’s co-founder, Mohammed Ali Yusuf, noted that the partnership brings advanced digital asset infrastructure to a growing user base.
The move arrives during rapid expansion in the UAE crypto market. By June 2024, the country recorded more than 30 billion dollars in virtual asset inflows. This rise marked a strong 42 percent increase from the previous year and showed clear momentum in regional adoption.
ruya’s new service fills a gap between traditional crypto exchanges and faith-based financial systems. Industry analysts believe the bank could influence how other regional institutions approach digital assets. The launch may also encourage more conservative investors to explore crypto in a regulated and Shariah-compliant environment.
Key advantages for customers include:
- Direct access to Bitcoin and other digital assets inside a familiar banking app
- A regulated platform that supports Islamic finance standards
- A simplified way to participate in the digital economy
As crypto adoption grows in the Middle East, ruya’s early move may become a model for future Islamic banking services. The bank could help shape how ethical crypto investing develops across the region.
