Standard Chartered's Venture Arm Plans $250 Million Digital Asset Fund for 2026 Launch

Standard Chartered's venture capital arm, SC Ventures, is preparing to launch a $250 million fund focused on digital asset investments within the financial services sector, with the fund expected to debut in 2026. The London-based banking giant's venture unit aims to secure backing from investors in the Middle East for the initiative.

The fund will target global investment opportunities in areas including tokenization, blockchain technology, and other regulated digital asset plays. SC Ventures plans to use the capital to invest in companies developing digital asset infrastructure and services within the broader financial services ecosystem.

Beyond the digital asset fund, SC Ventures is simultaneously developing a separate $100 million investment fund dedicated to the African market. The venture arm is also exploring the establishment of its first venture debt fund, expanding its investment capabilities across different asset classes.

Standard Chartered has been actively building its digital asset capabilities in recent years. The bank offers digital asset custody and trading services for institutional clients through its Corporate and Investment Banking division. The financial institution has also become a key participant in Hong Kong's stablecoin initiatives, working with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on developing a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin under the territory's new licensing regime.

The bank's digital asset services extend to the United Arab Emirates, where it provides crypto custody solutions to clients. Standard Chartered has also established a Luxembourg subsidiary focused on providing digital asset custody services and has partnered with stablecoin issuers across Asia.

The planned fund launch comes as traditional financial institutions increasingly embrace digital assets and blockchain technology. Major banks worldwide have been expanding their crypto-related services and investment activities, seeking to capitalize on the growing institutional adoption of digital assets.

The 2026 timeline for the fund launch suggests Standard Chartered is taking a measured approach to entering the digital asset investment space, allowing time to build the necessary infrastructure and regulatory compliance frameworks. The Middle Eastern investor focus aligns with the region's growing interest in digital asset investments and blockchain technology adoption.

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