Standard Chartered CEO Reveals Vision for Blockchain-Powered Finance

TLDR

• Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters predicts nearly all global transactions will eventually settle on blockchain networks.
• Winters described the shift as a complete rewiring of the financial system during his speech at Hong Kong FinTech Week.
• The bank is developing a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin in partnership with Animoca Brands and HKT.
• Standard Chartered operates digital asset custody services, trading platforms, and multiple tokenization initiatives.
• SC Ventures plans to launch a $250 million fund in 2026 focused on digital assets and blockchain technology.

Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters believes blockchain technology will transform global financial settlements. Speaking at Hong Kong FinTech Week on Monday, he predicted nearly all transactions will eventually settle on blockchain networks. The bank continues to expand its digital asset operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Standard Chartered Chief Envisions Blockchain-Based Financial Future

Winters addressed the fintech conference with precise predictions about digital money and blockchain settlements. He stated that most global transactions will move to blockchain infrastructure in the coming years. The transformation requires extensive collaboration between governments, regulators, and private companies.

Standard Chartered has positioned itself as a leader in blockchain adoption among traditional banks. The London-headquartered institution operates digital asset custody services and trading platforms. The bank also runs several tokenization initiatives across different markets.

Winters praised Hong Kong’s regulatory approach to digital finance and innovation. He highlighted the city’s partnership with Financial Secretary Paul Chan in advancing the sector. Hong Kong aims to establish itself as Asia’s primary digital asset and crypto hub.

Bank Expands Digital Asset Infrastructure and Stablecoin Development

Standard Chartered is developing a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin with Animoca Brands and HKT. The project operates under the city’s new regulatory framework for digital currencies. Winters views this initiative as crucial for building an international trade payment infrastructure.

The bank joins other major financial institutions betting on tokenization technology. Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev recently predicted that tokenization will reach mainstream markets within five years. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink stated earlier this year that tokenized securities will eventually cover every asset class.

Standard Chartered’s venture arm, SC Ventures, plans to launch a $250 million fund in 2026. The fund will focus on digital assets and financial services innovation, backed by Middle Eastern investors. Gautam Jain, an operating member of SC Ventures, confirmed that the fund will target blockchain and tokenization opportunities.

SC Ventures also aims to establish a $100 million Africa fund in the near future. The venture arm is also considering launching its first venture debt fund. Founded in 2018, SC Ventures has expanded operations across multiple regions this year.

Standard Chartered launched operations in Saudi Arabia earlier in 2025. The bank plans to establish a domestic fund there by 2026 for minority stakes. The fund will focus on new business ventures in the region.

Standard Chartered secured a Luxembourg license for crypto custody services in early 2025. The license allows the bank to provide custody under the EU’s MiCA framework. Standard Chartered previously launched crypto custody services in the UAE after obtaining a license from the DFSA in Dubai.

The post Standard Chartered CEO Reveals Vision for Blockchain-Powered Finance appeared first on CoinCentral.