It wasn’t long ago that digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins were seen as tools for tech-savvy traders and crypto enthusiasts. Fast forward to today, and large businesses, especially in the UAE, are entering the space with caution, curiosity, and a growing appetite. But they’re not buying crypto on public exchanges with a few clicks. Instead, they’re using something far more tailored to their needs, Over-the-Counter (OTC) trading.
OTC desks have become the preferred gateway for corporates looking to access digital assets in a secure, private, and compliant way. In this blog, we’ll explore how OTC trading works, why it’s gaining traction in the UAE, and how your organization can leverage it effectively.
What Is OTC Trading in Crypto?
A Quick Overview Over-the-Counter (OTC) crypto trading refers to direct, off-exchange transactions between a buyer and a seller—usually facilitated by a licensed desk or brokerage. Unlike retail trading on public exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, OTC trading is:
- Private – Large orders are executed without moving the market.
- Customized – Pricing, settlement, and terms can be tailored to your business needs.
- Compliant – Conducted through regulated providers that handle due diligence and AML checks.
This makes OTC trading especially appealing to institutions, family offices, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and corporates in regulated markets like the UAE.
Why UAE Corporates Are Turning to OTC Trading
1. Compliance and Regulatory Clarity The UAE has taken a proactive approach to digital asset regulation, with clear frameworks issued by: VARA in Dubai ADGM in Abu Dhabi DFSA and DMCC in specialized zones Corporate treasuries and finance teams are naturally risk-averse. OTC desks offer peace of mind by operating within these frameworks—ensuring that every transaction is documented, reported, and compliant.
2. Access to Stablecoins for Settlement and Payments Many corporates aren’t buying crypto for speculation. They’re using regulated stablecoins (like USDC or USDT) to: Settle cross-border invoices quickly Hedge against local currency risk Move funds efficiently without relying on slow or expensive correspondent banking systems OTC desks enable large-volume stablecoin transactions with verified counterparties, often with better pricing and faster settlement than exchanges.
3. Privacy and Market Protection Imagine a logistics company in the UAE wanting to convert AED 10 million to USDC. Doing that on a public exchange could cause significant price slippage—and raise unnecessary questions. An OTC desk solves this by: Locking in a pre-agreed rate Executing the trade privately Settling in fiat or digital assets directly to a verified wallet or account This allows corporates to manage their digital asset exposure without disrupting the market or drawing attention.
4. Institutional-Level Support Unlike automated platforms, OTC desks provide dedicated account managers, 1-on-1 support, and direct communication channels. For busy finance teams, this means: Fewer errors Quicker execution More confidence in handling large volumes It also means support for things like split settlements, multi-party trades, and custom onboarding for complex legal structures.
What Types of UAE Businesses Use OTC Trading?
You’d be surprised at how broad the use cases have become. It’s no longer just crypto-native companies exploring OTC, mainstream industries are getting involved:
- Family offices – Gaining exposure to Bitcoin or Ethereum as part of a diversified portfolio.
- Commodities traders – Using stablecoins to settle international trade deals faster.
- Real estate developers – Accepting crypto for property payments and converting it to fiat seamlessly.
- Fintechs and PSPs – Holding digital assets as floats or using them for instant merchant settlements.
- Brokerages and investment firms – Facilitating crypto investment services for clients while maintaining compliance.
OTC desks like Fuze enable all of these players to interact with digital assets in a way that matches their unique risk profile and operating model.
How OTC Trading at Fuze Works
Fuze’s regulated OTC desk is designed for institutions and businesses globally, from the Middle East to emerging markets, who need secure, efficient, and compliant access to digital assets. Our process is built to be smooth yet thorough, ensuring that every client is properly onboarded with all regulatory requirements in check. Once onboarded, clients can request trades across major fiat and digital asset pairs. We provide competitive, real-time pricing and handle settlements quickly, whether via bank transfers or wallets, depending on what works best for the client. We’re equipped to handle multi-million-dollar trades with precision, speed, and full regulatory alignment. What sets us apart is not just the execution, but the trust and transparency we bring to every trade, making us a preferred partner for institutions looking to navigate the digital asset space with confidence.
Why Corporates Choose Fuze
- OTC Regulated Infrastructure – Licensed and compliant with UAE crypto laws.
- Dedicated Desk – Speak directly with a senior trader, not a support chatbot.
- Stablecoin Liquidity – Access to deep pools of USDC, USDT, and more.
- Bank-Grade Compliance – KYC, KYB, and AML procedures that meet the highest standards.
- Secure Settlement – Safe wallet custody and instant fiat settlements through UAE banks.
Whether you’re hedging currency risk, settling overseas deals, or simply adding digital assets to your treasury, Fuze gives you the tools and guidance to do it safely.
Key Takeaways: Why OTC Is the Corporate Gateway to Digital Assets in the UAE
- The UAE is leading the way in regulated digital asset adoption.
- OTC trading offers corporates a safer, more discreet alternative to public exchanges.
- From stablecoin settlements to digital asset investments, use cases are expanding rapidly.
- A licensed OTC partner like Fuze makes the journey smooth, compliant, and secure.
Ready to Explore OTC Trading for Your Business? Talk to our team today to learn how we can help you access, manage and grow with digital assets, safely and legally.
Disclaimer: Virtual assets carry significant risks, including high volatility and potential loss of your entire investment. They are not backed by governmental protections, and recourse may be limited in case of loss. Always assess your risk tolerance, fully understand the risks, and seek independent financial advice if needed before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is OTC crypto trading, and how is it different from using an exchange?
OTC (Over-the-Counter) trading involves direct transactions between buyers and sellers, usually through a licensed broker or desk. Unlike public exchanges, OTC trades are private, custom-priced, and ideal for large volumes that might otherwise impact the market.
2. Is OTC trading legal in the UAE for corporates?
Yes, OTC trading is legal when done through regulated providers. The UAE has clear frameworks under VARA (Dubai), ADGM (Abu Dhabi), and other jurisdictions, allowing corporates to access digital assets in a compliant and secure manner.
3. What types of digital assets can be traded via OTC in the UAE?
Typically, OTC desks support major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as stablecoins such as USDC and USDT. Some desks also offer altcoins or tokenized assets, depending on demand and regulatory scope.
4. Why would a business prefer OTC trading over regular exchanges?
Businesses often prefer OTC trading because it offers greater privacy, tailored pricing, compliance support, and direct account management. It also helps avoid market slippage when dealing with large transactions.
5. How can my business get started with OTC trading at Fuze?
Getting started is simple. Reach out to our team, and we’ll guide you through our onboarding process, including KYC/KYB checks. Once verified, you can begin requesting quotes and settling trades with full compliance and confidence.
