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SC Ventures leads digital asset solutions in Middle East
From co-creation to digital asset expansion, SC Ventures - the innovation arm of Standard Chartered Bank is accelerating its fintech footprint across the MEASA region
- PUBLISHED: Thu 7 Aug 2025, 4:38 PM
As fintech continues to reshape the global financial landscape, the Middle East is quickly emerging as a hub for innovation, investment, and transformation. At the heart of this evolution is SC Ventures - the venture-building and innovation arm of Standard Chartered Bank. With a mission to go beyond traditional banking, SC Ventures is pioneering new financial solutions across the MEASA region through venture creation, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge digital asset initiatives.
In this exclusive interview, Mohamed Fairooz, SC Ventures Lead for the Middle East, shares how the firm is driving impact through ecosystem collaboration and why the region plays a central role in its global innovation strategy.
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Can you start by giving us an overview of SC Ventures and what sets it apart?
SC Ventures is the innovation and venture arm of Standard Chartered. Although we’re backed by the bank, we operate independently with a dedicated team, mandate, and entrepreneurial mindset. Since 2018, our goal has been to go beyond traditional banking to create impactful solutions that solve emerging financial needs.
What areas does SC Ventures focus on when building or backing ventures?
We concentrate on four key themes: online economies and lifestyle, SMEs and trade, digital assets, and financial inclusion. Whether the ideas come from internal teams or external collaborators, we remain open to innovation from any source.
What’s your approach to venture creation versus investing in existing fintechs?
We do both. Some ventures we build from the ground up; others we support through investment or co-creation. Our approach always emphasises solving real-world problems. Ultimately, we’re ecosystem participants — not just investors.
You’ve expanded significantly in the region. What does that growth look like?
In just 18 months, we’ve scaled from two to seven ventures across the region, created over 150 jobs, and launched our Digital Asset Fund in the UAE. It’s a signal of our long-term commitment and belief in the MEASA region’s potential.
What makes the MEASA region such an attractive market right now?
The shift is clear — there’s more capital, stronger regulatory support, and exceptional talent emerging locally. These conditions make the region a compelling launchpad for innovative financial solutions.
Tell us more about your partnership with DIFC. What does that involve?
At the Dubai FinTech Summit, we announced a strategic partnership with DIFC. SC Ventures is now their official venture-building partner. This isn’t just symbolic — we’re working hand-in-hand to strengthen the local fintech ecosystem.
Any other strategic partnerships you’re excited about?
Yes, we’ve signed over eight major partnerships with regional banks, family offices, and ecosystem players. Each collaboration enables us to scale faster and deliver more tailored, impactful solutions.
As a passionate storyteller and content writer, Kushmita Bose loves weaving narratives that inform, inspire, and entertain. Whether she's unraveling tech revolutions, dissecting industry reports, or bringing a brand’s journey to life, Kushmita thrives on transforming ideas into captivating stories. When she’s not busy crafting content, you’ll probably find her daydreaming about her next travel adventure.
