Standard Chartered’s investment arm is set to unveil a $250 million cryptocurrency fund in 2026, highlighting an increasing institutional interest in digital assets.
SC Ventures of Standard Chartered aims to gather funds to launch the investment vehicle targeting digital assets within the financial sector, as reported by Bloomberg on Monday, citing Gautam Jain, an operating partner.
Expected to launch in 2026, the fund will be supported by investors from the Middle East, focusing on global investment prospects, Jain informed Bloomberg.
The plan from SC Ventures accompanies a trend of corporate treasury firms developing long-term accumulation strategies, raising hopes that more institutional money may flow into the crypto market in the upcoming years.
Cointelegraph attempted to contact SC Ventures for details regarding which cryptocurrencies might be included in the fund but did not get a prompt response.
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SC Ventures to initiate $100 million Africa investment fund
In addition to the $250 million digital asset fund, SV Ventures is also planning to establish a $100 million fund aimed at African investments, while contemplating its first venture debt fund, according to Jain.
He did not mention if these funds would include or concentrate on cryptocurrencies and financial technology.
This news follows Standard Chartered’s concerns regarding the declining market net asset value (mNAV) of digital asset treasury (DAT) firms, which reflects the ratio of a company’s enterprise value to its cryptocurrency assets.
Standard Chartered cautioned that several prominent treasury firms have recently dipped below the crucial one mNAV level, indicating growing challenges for companies to issue new shares and acquire cryptocurrencies, reported Cointelegraph on Monday.
“The recent decline in DAT mNAVs is likely to promote differentiation and market consolidation,” stated Standard Chartered. “Differentiation will favor the largest and cheapest funders, alongside those with staking yield,” offering a positive outlook for major firms like Strategy and Bitmine, which can still attract capital by issuing low-cost debt.
Related: SEC chair promises notice before enforcement for crypto businesses: FT
The upcoming $250 million fund signifies a broader corporate interest in cryptocurrencies beyond just Bitcoin (BTC).
On Monday, Helius Medical Technologies, listed on Nasdaq, revealed plans for a $500 million corporate treasury reserve, predominantly featuring the Solana (SOL) token.
The enterprise affirmed its intention to “significantly scale” its Solana holdings within the next 12 to 24 months, indicating an influx of institutional funds into altcoins.
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