[SC Ventures, a subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank, plans to raise $250 million for its new digital assets fund] According to Bloomberg, SC Ventures, the venture capital arm of Standard Chartered Plc, is planning to raise funds for a $250 million fund focused on investing in digital assets within the financial services sector. Gautam Jain, an operating partner at SC Ventures, stated on Monday during the inaugural Money 20/20 fintech event in Riyadh that the fund is scheduled to launch next year, with backing from some Middle Eastern investors and a global investment outlook. Jain mentioned that the division also plans to launch a $100 million Africa-focused investment fund and is considering introducing its first venture debt fund, though he did not specify whether these funds would also focus on digital assets or fintech. Jain further noted that the division is increasing its investment in the Middle East this year, having launched operations in Saudi Arabia in January. Its strategy involves forming a team dedicated to the Saudi market and launching a domestic fund in 2026, which will focus on minority equity investments in companies and new business development.