Standard Chartered explores crypto prime brokerage via SC Ventures expansion

Standard Chartered is considering launching a prime brokerage business for crypto trading through its venture capital arm, SC Ventures. This move would align the bank with other global banks expanding into crypto markets.

The demand for prime brokerage in crypto is increasing, highlighted by Ripple's acquisition of Hidden Road for $1.25 billion and FalconX's purchase of ETF issuer 21Shares.
SC Ventures could allow Standard Chartered to avoid stringent Basel III capital requirements on direct crypto holdings.
Basel III imposes a 1,250% risk weighting on permissionless assets like Bitcoin and Ether.
Standard Chartered already has a significant presence in digital assets, supporting over 70 digital currencies through Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets.
The bank began offering spot crypto trading for institutional clients in July, initially with Bitcoin and Ether.
In December 2025, it expanded its partnership with Coinbase to explore various digital asset services for institutional clients.