Standard Chartered’s innovation arm, Standard Chartered Ventures, is preparing to raise capital in 2026 for a new digital asset fund that will invest in blockchain, crypto infrastructure, and fintech startups. The announcement signals growing institutional interest in crypto and Web3 on a global scale, with a sharp eye on emerging markets, including Africa.
According to the report, the fund would operate as part of the bank’s broader venture efforts, seeking to back early and mid-stage projects that advance the adoption of digital assets and decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure. While the capital target remains undisclosed, sources describe the vehicle as a multi-year commitment tied to Standard Chartered’s strategic ambitions in digital transformation.
What makes this move notable is how it reflects a shift among traditional banks toward embracing, rather than shunning, digital assets. Standard Chartered has long maintained operations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. With this new fund, the bank is poised to channel institutional capital into startups operating across regions where blockchain infrastructure is nascent but holds huge potential.
The fund will likely focus on foundational builders, infrastructure layers, compliance tools, blockchain protocols, digital custody, and regulatory technology (RegTech), rather than purely speculative tokens. Standard Chartered’s internal capabilities around risk, compliance, and global banking could give portfolio companies a competitive edge in navigating regulatory environments.
Many traditional financial institutions remain hesitant to bridge the gap between legacy banking and crypto, but initiatives like this help lower that barrier. In African markets, where capital is often scarce and regulatory uncertainty prevails, this kind of backing may help legitimize local projects and encourage broader participation.
As Standard Chartered Ventures gears up for fundraising in 2026, startups in fintech, blockchain, and crypto infrastructure should watch closely. The success of this initiative may influence whether other major banks follow suit, shifting the flow of capital toward regions and ideas that were previously overlooked.
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