Standard Chartered Expands Crypto Services with Institutional Prime Brokerage Plan
Standard Chartered is advancing its digital asset strategy with plans to launch a crypto prime brokerage under SC Ventures, its innovation arm. The MOVE targets institutional clients seeking regulated access to cryptocurrency markets while navigating Basel III capital constraints.
The bank's venture unit structure may provide operational flexibility, avoiding the 1,250% risk charge applied to direct crypto holdings under current banking regulations. This follows Standard Chartered's existing crypto infrastructure investments through Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets.
Project37C, introduced in 2025, already offers custody and tokenization solutions. The new brokerage could complement these services as institutional demand grows for compliant crypto market access.