SC Ventures, the innovation arm of Standard Chartered, has announced plans to launch a $250 million fund dedicated to digital asset investments by 2026. The announcement was made by Gautam Jain at the Money 20/20 fintech conference in Riyadh. The fund will focus on investments in the financial services sector and is expected to receive backing from Middle Eastern investors. In addition to the digital asset fund, SC Ventures is exploring the creation of a $100 million Africa fund and a venture debt fund, though their focus remains unspecified. Since its inception in 2018, SC Ventures has been investing in tech startups and incubating innovative businesses, recently expanding its operations in Saudi Arabia to enhance its Middle Eastern presence.