Standard Chartered Weighs Launch of Crypto Trading and Prime Brokerage Platform

Source: CryptoNewsNet Original Title: Standard Chartered Weighs Launch of Crypto Trading and Prime Brokerage Platform Original Link: Standard Chartered is considering expanding its digital assets business, with early discussions underway to launch a crypto trading and prime brokerage platform.

If pursued, the initiative would place the British lender among a cohort of global banks expanding their exposure to cryptocurrencies.

Key Points

• Standard Chartered is in early talks to develop a crypto trading and prime brokerage platform.
• The proposed initiative is being discussed under SC Ventures, the bank’s venture capital arm.
• No launch timeline has been set, and the bank has not confirmed the plan.
• Standard Chartered launched institutional crypto trading services in July 2025.

Early-Stage Discussions Under SC Ventures

Standard Chartered is in early discussions about developing a platform for crypto trading and prime brokerage. Specifically, the proposal is being explored by SC Ventures, the bank’s venture capital and innovation arm, which focuses on emerging financial technologies.

For now, the discussions remain exploratory. No launch timeline has been established. Additionally, Standard Chartered has yet to publicly confirm the plan, leaving the potential expansion in the planning stage.

Existing Footprint in Crypto Markets

Although the brokerage platform has yet to materialize, Standard Chartered already maintains a foothold in digital assets. For instance, in July 2025, the bank introduced crypto trading services designed for institutional and corporate clients.

Consequently, that launch enabled professional investors to trade major cryptocurrencies. It also provided the operational framework necessary should the new initiative advance.

Industry Momentum Among Major Banks

Standard Chartered’s deliberations highlight a broader shift within traditional finance. In response to this trend, major banks are increasingly evaluating crypto-linked products.

For context, major financial institutions recently filed to launch cryptocurrency-related ETFs. These developments underscore increasing involvement in digital assets across the banking sector.

Ethereum Outlook Revised Lower in the Medium Term

Even as it explores new crypto services, Standard Chartered has taken a more cautious view on Ethereum’s price trajectory in the medium term.

Specifically, the bank lowered its forecast for Ethereum at the end of 2026 to $7,500, down from a prior estimate of $12,000. It also reduced its end-2028 projection to $22,000 from $25,000, citing continued softness across digital asset markets.

Long-Term View Remains Optimistic

The near- and medium-term downgrade was partly attributed to Bitcoin’s recent performance. Weaker Bitcoin returns continue to weigh on the broader crypto market, given Bitcoin’s dominant influence.

Nevertheless, the bank remains optimistic about Ethereum’s long-term potential. Standard Chartered now expects the second-largest cryptocurrency to surpass $40,000 by 2030, thereby raising its previous long-term target of $30,000.