Standard Chartered Targets Institutional Clients With Crypto Venture

TLDR

• Standard Chartered is planning to launch a crypto prime brokerage for institutional clients.
• The new venture will operate under SC Ventures which is the bank’s innovation and investment arm.
• The launch may help the bank avoid strict capital rules tied to direct crypto asset holdings.
• Standard Chartered is already active in digital assets through its investments in Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets.
• In 2025 the bank introduced Project37C to offer custody tokenization and market access solutions.

Standard Chartered is preparing to expand its digital-asset services with early-stage plans for a new crypto prime brokerage, housed under SC Ventures, as part of its push to serve institutional clients seeking broader crypto market access.

Standard Chartered Plans Crypto Prime Brokerage

Standard Chartered is planning to launch a crypto prime brokerage for institutional clients, according to sources familiar with the matter. The brokerage will reportedly be operated through SC Ventures, the bank’s venture and innovation unit.

This approach may allow the bank to avoid strict capital requirements tied to direct crypto asset holdings. Basel III regulations, active since 2022, apply a 1,250% risk charge on “permissionless” crypto holdings like Bitcoin and Ether.

Placing the business under SC Ventures could reduce balance sheet exposure, thereby giving the bank greater flexibility. Sources said the timeline for launch remains undecided as internal discussions continue.

Expanding Digital Asset Exposure Through New Projects

Standard Chartered has been active in crypto infrastructure through investments in Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets. These platforms provide custody and institutional trading services and are regulated in key jurisdictions.

The bank also became the first globally systemic bank to offer institutional spot crypto trading last July. It continues to explore digital assets through ventures that align with regulatory frameworks.

In December, SC Ventures introduced Project37C as a joint venture for custody, tokenization, and market access. Although described as a “light financing and markets platform,” the firm did not call it a prime brokerage.

Standard Chartered did not comment publicly, and individuals familiar with the matter requested anonymity. Talks are ongoing, and the project may evolve before its final launch.

Global Banks Ramp Up Crypto Participation

Large US banks are also increasing crypto engagement as regulatory clarity improves. JPMorgan is considering direct crypto trading access for institutional clients.

The bank has already deployed blockchain-based settlement tools and supports tokenization initiatives. These developments reflect growing institutional demand for advanced crypto market services.

Morgan Stanley has moved further by filing to launch Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana ETFs. These products would place it alongside BlackRock and ARK Invest in the ETF sector.

US spot crypto ETFs now hold around $140 billion in assets. Institutional inflows continue as regulatory frameworks support broader participation.

Policy Changes Under Trump Drive Demand

Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has taken several executive actions benefiting the crypto industry. These include establishing the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and creating the White House Digital Asset Working Group.

This group provides policy guidance to agencies such as the SEC and CFTC. These measures have increased legal clarity and supported institutional entry into crypto markets.

As regulations stabilize, financial firms seek to offer infrastructure that mirrors traditional finance. Prime brokerages remain central to this evolution.

Standard Chartered, managing $389 billion in assets, may use this structure to offer regulated, comprehensive crypto services. While details are pending, plans indicate growing demand among institutional clients.

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