Standard Chartered explores launching a crypto prime brokerage under SC Ventures, signaling deeper institutional commitment amid rising demand.
Standard Chartered is evaluating a crypto prime brokerage initiative as institutional crypto demand steadily expands. The bank then keeps the process of innovation and access to regulated markets. Moreover, the move is a sign of increased confidence among global lenders towards digital assets.
Standard Chartered Explores Crypto Prime Brokerage Under SC Ventures
According to Bloomberg, the proposed crypto prime brokerage would be operated within SC Ventures. As a result, the structure may be helpful in dealing with regulatory and capital requirements.
Standard Chartered plans to set up a prime brokerage for crypto trading, as global banks step up efforts to compete in digital assets https://t.co/pVVMqNref6
— Bloomberg (@business) January 12, 2026
Furthermore, the London-based bank has not determined the scope of services or the timing of their launch. As a result, internal planning is going on without the confirmation of the public.
SC Ventures is Standard Chartered’s innovation and venture capital arm. Therefore, it often pilots the new financial technologies. Moreover, by housing the brokerage there, it would be possible to limit direct balance sheet exposure.
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Notably, Basel III rules are stringent in terms of the treatment of crypto holdings. Thus, operating through SC Ventures may provide operational flexibility. Analysts consider this structure to become more popular amongst global banks.
Standard Chartered has already developed a substantial digital asset footprint. In the past, it supported Zodia Custody, which is targeted at institutional crypto storage needs. Additionally, it supported Zodia Markets, which was an institutional trading platform.
In July 2025, the bank reached an important milestone. It became the first globally systemically important bank with spot trading of crypto. That service was aimed at institutional clients for regulated execution venues.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for SC Ventures declined to comment publicly. Therefore, the official confirmation is still pending. However, previous statements focus on the continued development of digital assets.
In December, SC Ventures talked about Project37C in a LinkedIn post. The initiative presented a digital asset joint venture. It mentioned custody, tokenization, and access to market services.
Institutional Demand Drives Strategic Crypto Expansion
A crypto prime brokerage usually bundles execution, custody, financing, and settlement services. Therefore, it serves the hedge funds, asset managers, and trading firms. Such platforms decrease friction when operating for large players.
Standard Chartered previously considered similar services with Coinbase. In December 2025, both companies announced an extended institutional collaboration. That collaboration focused on the trading and custody capabilities.
In addition, the bank also allied with FalconX to offer banking services. The relationship helped in supporting the liquidity of the crypto markets and institutional access. Moreover, it showed the collaborative strategy of Standard Chartered.
The lender also undertook a collateral mirroring program in partnership with OKX. That initiative is in operation in the UAE and Europe. It seeks to improve institutional risk management with the use of shared collateral frameworks.
From a wider perspective, Standard Chartered’s initiatives are in keeping with sector trends. Global banks are also taking an increasing step towards combining traditional finance with digital assets. This convergence is a client-driven evolution.
Ultimately, potential prime brokerage helps highlight the strategic continuity. Standard Chartered is continuing to slowly grow digital asset services. Therefore, the bank positions itself for blockchain adoption in the sector on an institutional level.