UAE Islamic Bank Ruya Launches In-App Bitcoin Trading via Fuze Partnership - A Watershed for Crypto in Islamic Finance

An Islamic bank in the UAE just smashed a major barrier. Ruya Bank, operating under the principles of Sharia finance, has integrated Bitcoin trading directly into its mobile application.

The Partnership That Makes It Possible

This move isn't a solo venture. Ruya tapped Fuze, a digital assets infrastructure heavyweight, to power the backend. The collaboration effectively turns a traditional Islamic banking app into a gateway for the world's largest cryptocurrency. It bypasses the need for separate exchanges or complex wallet setups—customers can now trade Bitcoin alongside their conventional banking activities.

Why This Is a Bigger Deal Than It Sounds

Forget niche adoption; this is mainstreaming with a religious stamp. Islamic finance, governed by strict ethical and religious laws (like prohibitions on interest and speculative risk), has historically approached crypto with caution. Ruya's launch signals a significant shift in perception and regulatory comfort within a major financial hub. It legitimizes Bitcoin for a massive, previously hesitant investor demographic.

The Cynical Take

Let's be real—the traditional finance giants spent a decade dismissing crypto as a 'fad' for criminals and nerds. Now, watching a conservative Islamic bank beat them to the punch on seamless integration must taste bitter. It's another stark reminder that innovation often comes from the edges, not the entrenched center. While Wall Street debates ETFs, the real adoption story is being written in user-friendly banking apps across the globe.

Ruya's move isn't just a new feature; it's a direct challenge to the old guard. It proves that digital asset accessibility is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a current competitive necessity. The race to bridge traditional and decentralized finance just found a surprising new leader.

TLDR

• Ruya becomes the first Islamic bank in UAE to allow in-app Bitcoin trading.
• Fuze powers the secure, regulated infrastructure behind Ruya’s new service.
• UAE recorded $30B in crypto inflows from July 2023 to June 2024, up 42%.
• Ruya ensures all Bitcoin investments are fully Sharia-compliant for customers.

In a groundbreaking move, Ruya, an Islamic bank based in the UAE, has partnered with Fuze, a digital asset infrastructure provider, to introduce in-app Bitcoin trading for its customers. This makes Ruya the first Sharia-compliant bank in the UAE to offer a platform for buying and selling Bitcoin directly through its mobile app. This new service allows customers to make cryptocurrency investments with confidence, knowing that all transactions comply with Islamic finance principles.

Ruya’s CEO, Christoph Koster, emphasized the importance of adhering to Sharia law, stating that all Bitcoin investments are fully Sharia-compliant, giving customers both clarity and security. The bank’s decision to enter the cryptocurrency market comes as demand for digital asset investment options continues to grow in the region. The integration of Fuze’s secure and regulated infrastructure into Ruya’s platform allows users to access a fully compliant and reliable system for Bitcoin trading.

The Role of Sharia Compliance in Ruya’s Bitcoin Offering

Ruya’s decision to offer Bitcoin trading comes with a focus on maintaining Sharia compliance. Islamic finance prohibits transactions that involve interest, excessive risk, gambling, or speculation. Ruya’s Bitcoin investments are structured to ensure they meet these requirements, thus allowing Muslims to invest in the cryptocurrency market without violating religious principles.

The partnership with Fuze enables Ruya to provide a solution that complies with these strict standards. The platform is designed to offer an ethically sound investment opportunity by ensuring that the bitcoin transactions are transparent, asset-backed, and free from any unethical industries. This means that customers can buy and sell Bitcoin while ensuring that their investments align with their values.

Growing Demand for Digital Assets in the UAE

The launch of Ruya’s Bitcoin trading service comes at a time when cryptocurrency activity in the UAE is experiencing strong growth. According to a report from Chainalysis, the UAE recorded over $30 billion in crypto inflows from July 2023 to June 2024, marking a 42% year-on-year increase. This surge reflects growing interest in digital assets, especially as regulatory clarity improves in the region.

The increase in cryptocurrency adoption can also be attributed to the efforts of Dubai’s VIRTUAL Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA), which have provided clearer regulatory frameworks for digital assets. As more financial institutions enter the crypto space, the UAE has become a hub for cryptocurrency activity, with services like Ruya’s in-app Bitcoin trading further contributing to this momentum.

Broader Trends in the UAE’s Crypto Market

Ruya’s Bitcoin trading feature is not an isolated case in the UAE’s evolving cryptocurrency market. Other financial institutions have also begun offering digital asset products to meet the growing demand. For instance, earlier in 2025, Mashreq Capital launched BITMAC, a mutual fund that includes Bitcoin as part of a diversified portfolio, alongside equities, fixed income, and gold.

Additionally, other UAE-based banks, such as RAK Bank and Liv Bank, have introduced crypto trading services in partnership with external exchanges. These developments are part of a broader trend in the UAE towards more accessible and regulated crypto products. As the country continues to adapt to the growing popularity of digital currencies, services like Ruya’s Bitcoin trading platform are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of financial services in the region.