Backed by new institutional support, Belgium-based Keyrock funding marks a major step in the company’s expansion across global digital asset markets.
Series C round values Keyrock at $1.1 billion
On 31 March 2026, Brussels-headquartered Keyrock announced it had secured a significant Series C funding round, valuing the digital asset-focused neo investment group at $1.1 billion. The raise underlines growing institutional confidence in infrastructure providers serving tokenized markets and advanced trading services.
The round was led by SC Ventures, the venture building and investment arm of Standard Chartered, with continued backing from Ripple, which provides blockchain-based enterprise solutions for both traditional and digital finance. Moreover, the new capital will be deployed to strengthen Keyrock’s balance sheet, accelerate product innovation, and support targeted acquisitions.
Strategic plans for growth and acquisitions
Keyrock said the fresh funds will help it expand its financial and technological capabilities as institutional demand for tokenized assets increases. The company plans to scale its existing offerings, explore new product lines, and evaluate acquisition opportunities that fit its global growth strategy. That said, the current raise represents a rolling close, and the firm continues to consider additional investments.
Today, the group delivers financial expertise tailored specifically for digital asset markets, acting as a bridge for traditional financial institutions seeking exposure to the emerging tokenized economy. It currently offers market making, asset management, over-the-counter (OTC) trading and options trading, positioning itself as a full-stack partner for institutions entering blockchain-based markets.
Leadership perspectives on the new capital
Chief executive Kevin de Patoul framed the funding as a clear statement of the firm’s long-term ambitions. “Our latest funding round is a signal of intent for the future,” he said, highlighting the company’s goal of scaling services and footprint. However, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet as markets evolve.
De Patoul noted that in 2025, Keyrock launched Keyrock Asset & Wealth Management to offer what he described as an unmatched service proposition for institutional and professional clients. “In 2026, we are pushing for more growth in our services, client base, and geographic reach, as we look to gain greater market share and reinforce our position as a leading player,” he added.
For SC Ventures, the strategic logic behind the deal is clear. “Our investment in Keyrock reflects our conviction that sophisticated liquidity infrastructure is foundational to the evolution of digital asset markets,” said Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures. As tokenized assets scale, he argued, full-service providers such as Keyrock will be central to building reliable liquidity and institutional-grade execution.
Keyrock funding underscores role in liquidity infrastructure
Manson stressed that the partnership aligns with SC Ventures’ broader portfolio of digital asset initiatives at Standard Chartered. As those ventures mature, having reliable partners for liquidity, trading technology, and risk management is increasingly critical. Moreover, the collaboration aims to support interconnected fintech ecosystems spanning both banking and digital asset infrastructure.
Founded in Brussels in 2017, Keyrock has grown into a global player in market making, asset management, research, and both spot and options trading. The firm is active across 85 centralized and decentralized trading venues worldwide. Its 220-strong team operates in 37 countries, with legal entities in Belgium, the UK, Switzerland, France, and the U.S..
Expanding presence in tokenized markets
Keyrock positions itself as offering one of the widest ranges of services in the digital asset space, allowing it to provide fully tailored support to institutional clients. The company stresses that it is structured for the long term, focusing on continuous evolution of its technology and trading infrastructure to drive progress in digital assets. However, it also highlights disciplined risk management and regulatory awareness as core pillars of its growth model.
SC Ventures, meanwhile, continues to build and invest in what it describes as breakthrough ventures in and beyond banking. Through its platform, SC Ventures by Standard Chartered enables external organisations to collaborate and co-create fintech ecosystems designed to reimagine future financial services and capital markets infrastructure.
Standard Chartered’s role in digital finance
Standard Chartered describes itself as a leading international banking group with a presence in 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Its stated purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through the bank’s unique diversity, with its heritage and values reflected in the brand promise, “here for good.” Moreover, the bank has been steadily expanding its footprint in digital assets and fintech partnerships.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, giving it access to deep pools of global capital. The alliance with Keyrock, backed by SC Ventures, signals how established banks are increasingly integrating specialist digital asset partners into their long-term strategy.
In summary, the latest Series C round cements Keyrock’s status as a billion-dollar player in digital asset infrastructure, while reinforcing the strategic ties between the firm, SC Ventures, Ripple, and Standard Chartered as tokenized markets move into a new phase of institutional growth.
Source: https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2026/03/31/keyrock-funding-series-c/
