Ruya Becomes First Islamic Bank to Offer Shari’ah-Compliant Crypto Trading

In a landmark move blending traditional Islamic finance with the digital asset economy, UAE-based digital bank Ruya has become the first Islamic financial institution to offer Shari’ah-compliant cryptocurrency trading directly through its mobile app.

The announcement marks a significant milestone for the Islamic finance sector, which has traditionally approached crypto with caution due to religious and regulatory considerations. Ruya’s new service allows users to trade select digital assets, including Bitcoin, within a framework that aligns with Islamic ethical principles.

Ethical Investing Meets Digital Innovation

Ruya confirmed that all listed cryptocurrencies have undergone Shari’ah compliance screening, ensuring they meet Islamic guidelines on ethical investment. The initiative is aimed at supporting long-term wealth creation through permissible financial products, distinguishing itself from speculative trading models common in the broader crypto space.

“By integrating virtual assets into our investment platform, we aim to empower our customers to participate in the digital economy sustainably and responsibly,” said Christoph Koster, CEO of Ruya. “We can also assure our customers that the virtual assets we are offering are Shari’ah-compliant, providing much-needed certainty.”

Backed by Regulated Infrastructure

The crypto feature is powered by Fuze, a licensed digital asset infrastructure provider, which enables secure access to virtual assets within a regulated environment. “Partnering with Ruya is a big step toward making virtual assets a seamless part of everyday banking,” said Mo Ali Yusuf, Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze.

This collaboration is part of Ruya’s broader mission to modernize Islamic banking in a way that remains true to its core values of transparency, fairness, and ethical investing.

Context: UAE’s Rapid Crypto Growth

Ruya’s rollout arrives amid a boom in the UAE’s digital finance sector. According to recent data, the country received more than $30 billion in virtual asset inflows over the past year—a 42% year-on-year increase, far outpacing regional trends. This underscores the UAE’s growing role as a digital asset hub in the MENA region.

To support adoption and responsible use, Ruya is also providing customers with educational resources through community centers and hybrid call centers, offering guidance on crypto investing and compliance.