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Ruya Becomes First Islamic Bank to Launch Shari’ah-Compliant Crypto Investment Services

Ruya Becomes First Islamic Bank to Launch Shari’ah-Compliant Crypto Investment Services
Ruya Becomes First Islamic Bank to Offer Halal Crypto

A New Dawn for Islamic Digital Banking

In a historic move for Islamic finance, ruya (رويا), the UAE’s first digital-first Islamic bank, has launched a Shari’ah-compliant virtual asset investment service—becoming the first Islamic bank in the world to enable customers to buy and sell cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin directly through its mobile app.

This pioneering service is powered through a strategic collaboration with Fuze, a licensed provider of cutting-edge virtual asset infrastructure. The partnership ensures secure, ethical, and compliant access to the digital economy, all within the framework of Islamic financial principles.

"We aim to empower our customers to participate in the digital economy sustainably and responsibly,"
stated Christoph Koster, CEO of ruya.

Key Features of ruya’s Virtual Asset Investment Service

  • Direct Access: Customers can buy and sell Bitcoin and other virtual assets through the ruya mobile app.
  • Fully Shari’ah-Compliant: All assets offered have undergone religious and ethical vetting.
  • Transparent and Ethical: The service promotes responsible, long-term investing—not speculative trading.
  • Expert Guidance Available: Support provided through community centers and hybrid call centers.
  • Powered by Fuze: A licensed and trusted name in virtual asset technology.

UAE: A Fast-Growing Hub for Digital Finance

The launch comes at a time when the UAE’s virtual asset sector is booming.
In the 12 months ending June 2024:

  • Over $30 billion in virtual assets were received.
  • A 42% year-on-year growth, compared to the regional average of 11.7%.
  • UAE solidifies its position as the MENA region’s digital finance leader.

“This partnership with ruya is a major step towards integrating virtual assets into everyday ethical banking,” said Mohammed Ali Yusuf (Mo Ali Yusuf), CEO and Co-Founder of Fuze.

An Ethical Alternative in a Speculative Market

What sets ruya apart from conventional crypto platforms is its investment-first, not trading-first approach.
Instead of promoting high-risk speculation, ruya provides a curated digital investment framework that aligns with the values of fairness, transparency, and resilience—central to Islamic finance.

“We’ve built a system that is as secure and ethical as it is innovative,” said Koster.
“Our customers can now explore digital assets without compromising on their values.”

Future-Forward Yet Rooted in Faith

As the first Islamic bank worldwide to offer such services, ruya is setting a new precedent—one that bridges the future of finance with the faith of its customers. With this launch, ruya not only answers the call of a rising digital economy but also stays true to its mission:
Ethical banking. Future-ready. Faith-driven.

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