Core Insights - Standard Chartered's venture arm, SC Ventures, plans to raise $250 million for a fund focused on digital assets in the financial services sector, expected to launch in 2026 with participation from Middle Eastern investors [1] - The capital will specifically target financial services in areas such as tokenization and blockchain technology [2] - SC Ventures is also looking to create a $100 million fund for Africa and is considering its first venture debt fund as part of its broader strategy [3] Company Developments - SC Ventures was founded in 2018 to support technology startups and innovative projects for Standard Chartered, with operations launched in Saudi Arabia in January 2025 [4] - By 2026, SC Ventures plans to establish a domestic fund in Saudi Arabia focusing on minority investments and new business launches [4] - Standard Chartered has expanded its digital asset strategy, becoming the first major financial institution to offer spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum through its U.K. branch [5] Strategic Partnerships and Innovations - The bank has advanced tokenization through its blockchain platform, Libeara, and partnered with exchanges like OKX for collateral solutions involving cryptocurrencies [5] - Standard Chartered (Hong Kong) launched an HKD-backed stablecoin in collaboration with Animoca Brands and HKT, aiming to enhance payment efficiency and promote digital asset adoption [6] - In early 2025, Standard Chartered secured a Luxembourg license for crypto custody under the EU's MiCA framework, responding to rising client demand [7] Market Context - The announcement from SC Ventures aligns with the rapid growth in the fintech sector in the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted by Binance's record $2 billion stablecoin investment from Abu Dhabi's MGX [8]
Standard Chartered Ventures Targets $250M Digital Assets Fund With Middle East Investor: Bloomberg