A Bank’s Gamble on the Future of Crypto: The Reasons Behind Standard Chartered’s Full Commitment

SC Ventures, the innovation arm of Standard Chartered, is reportedly preparing to introduce a $250 million fund dedicated to cryptocurrencies in 2026, representing a major move for the bank into the

sector. This fund aims to target early-stage ventures in blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and other advancing crypto innovations. The move highlights a larger pattern among established looking to benefit from the increasing maturity of the crypto industry and to strengthen their position in technology-driven markets.

This potential fund could channel more investment into select cryptocurrencies, with

and frequently pointed out as likely to gain. Experts believe that institutional-grade backing from a prominent bank such as Standard Chartered could enhance the legitimacy of digital assets, encouraging broader participation from both retail and institutional investors. It may also contribute to moderating price swings in the near to mid-term, especially for cryptocurrencies with tangible use cases and practical value.

Internal discussions and planning documents from SC Ventures reveal that the fund will prioritize supporting initiatives aligned with the bank’s greater goals for sustainability and innovation. Target areas include blockchain solutions that advance financial inclusion, enable international payments, and facilitate asset tokenization. The bank is also inclined toward ventures that meet regulatory standards and offer scalable solutions, emphasizing its careful and principled approach to investing in digital assets.

Standard Chartered has progressively enhanced its knowledge and presence in the crypto arena over recent years. In 2024, it launched a trade finance solution based on blockchain, and in 2025, further strengthened its digital asset division by bringing in seasoned professionals from leading fintech companies. The upcoming $250 million fund is widely regarded as a natural progression in the bank’s digital evolution, building on its earlier blockchain and digital currency initiatives.

The fund is set to be organized to enable participation from both public and private markets, with a strong focus on early-stage investments. This approach is anticipated to draw a wide variety of investors, such as asset managers, pension schemes, and affluent individuals. Given Standard Chartered’s worldwide reach and history of regulatory adherence, this fund could become a blueprint for other traditional financial institutions exploring the crypto industry.