Standard Chartered is looking to expand its digital assets business, with initial discussions underway to launch a crypto trading and prime brokerage platform.
If the initiative goes ahead, the British lender will join a growing group of global banks increasing their exposure to cryptocurrencies.
Important points
- Standard Chartered is in early talks to develop a cryptocurrency trading and prime brokerage platform, Bloomberg reported on Monday.
- According to Bloomberg, the proposed initiative is being discussed under the bank’s venture capital arm, SC Ventures.
- No implementation schedule has been set and banks have not confirmed their plans.
- Standard Chartered launched a virtual currency trading service for institutional investors in July 2025.
Early stage discussions with SC Ventures
According to Bloomberg, Standard Chartered is in early discussions to develop a platform for crypto trading and prime brokerage. Specifically, the proposal is being considered by SC Ventures, the bank’s venture capital and innovation arm, which focuses on emerging financial technologies.
For now, discussions are still at an exploratory stage. Bloomberg reported that a launch schedule has not yet been established. Additionally, Standard Chartered has not yet officially confirmed the plans, with potential expansion still in the planning stages.
Existing track record in the virtual currency market
Although a brokerage platform is yet to materialize, Standard Chartered already maintains a foothold in digital assets. For example, in July 2025, the bank introduced a cryptocurrency trading service designed for institutional and corporate customers.
As a result, this launch allows professional investors to trade major cryptocurrencies. It also provided the operational framework needed if new initiatives were to move forward.
Industry momentum among major banks
The deliberations reported by Standard Chartered highlight broader changes in traditional finance. In response to this trend, major banks are increasing their evaluation of cryptocurrency-related products.
By way of background, Morgan Stanley recently filed to launch an Ethereum exchange-traded fund, marking the third time it has filed for a crypto-related ETF.
Meanwhile, Bank of America approved four spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier this month, allowing its more than 15,000 wealth advisors to actively recommend these products.
Taken together, these developments highlight the growing engagement with digital assets across the banking sector.
Ethereum outlook revised downward in the medium term
While Standard Chartered is exploring new crypto services, it is taking a more cautious view on Ethereum’s price trends over the medium term.
Specifically, in a note published on Monday, the bank lowered its forecast for Ethereum at the end of 2026 to $7,500 from its previous forecast of $12,000.
The company also lowered its forecast for the end of 2028 from $25,000 to $22,000, citing the continued weakness in the overall digital asset market.
Long-term outlook remains optimistic
The short- and medium-term downgrades are partially due to Bitcoin’s recent performance. Geoff Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Asset Research at Standard Chartered, said the decline in Bitcoin returns continues to weigh on the overall crypto market given Bitcoin’s dominant influence.
Nevertheless, banks remain optimistic about Ethereum’s long-term potential. Standard Chartered now expects the second-largest cryptocurrency to exceed $40,000 by 2030, upping its previous long-term target of $30,000.
