SC Ventures started out as an experiment – with the feeling that global banks had lost their fundamental relationship with customers, and that serving client needs in the future would look very different.
SC Ventures was the first step by Standard Chartered to build new business models and create emerging ecosystems that would challenge existing ways of doing things, even to the point of disrupting its own business. This book is the story of SC Ventures and how it has grown from an idea to a venture building and investment platform. Hear candid revelations about challenges and lessons learnt over our 7-year journey to transform a great bank into a future-proof institution, as part of the Bank’s compelling purpose — Here for Good.
All book proceeds will go towards INSEAD, in support of fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the student body.
“The most definitive book on corporate venture capital for banks, revealing intimate secrets of the Standard Chartered journey hitherto unknown.”
“So many practical hands-on reflections and learnings in this book that are useful for innovation arms in the banking sector and beyond.”
“The book brilliantly unpacks how corporate ventures can drive value and growth in times of rapid change. An essential guide for leaders reshaping industries through ventures and ecosystems. Manson’s playbook distils how bold experimentation, embedded partnerships, and courageous leadership can turn legacy challenges into scalable innovation.”
“Every banker working with fintechs, and every fintech professional working with financial institutions should read this book. What makes it valuable is not just the content, but the perspective. It helps both sides understand why collaboration between highly regulated institutions and “move fast and build” entrepreneurs can be challenging. It’s not about a specific partnership struggling; it’s about the inherent characteristics of both worlds. Seeing those dynamics explained so clearly is refreshing and grounding.
I found it particularly insightful to follow the journey of SC Ventures; how a venture unit operates within a global bank, and to trace Alex Manson’s own evolution from senior banker to venture leader. The book captures the tension between leveraging decades of institutional experience and adapting to the speed, mindset, and ambiguity of the fintech ecosystem. It reassures you that the friction you experience in this space is not only normal but expected.
My sincere thanks to Alex and the entire SC Ventures team for taking the time to document their learnings with such transparency. It’s a contribution that will benefit both industries.”
“This book provides an honest, candid look at the practical realities of accelerating innovation in FinTech. Offering actionable lessons for traditional banks on how to disrupt themselves to remain competitive, the book covers key topics including corporate venture capital and internal innovation. I highly recommend anyone considering — or already engaged in — an entrepreneurial journey in fintech, this is an essential, must-read book.”
“A strong endorsement and a timely perspective on the future of digital banking. Alex Manson’s work through SC Ventures continues to set a practical benchmark for how traditional institutions can embed venture thinking, accelerate innovation, and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
The book stands out for its candour and real-world applicability — especially around corporate venture capital, internal incubation, and the discipline required to disrupt from within. A must-read for banking leaders, fintech founders, and anyone serious about building sustainable innovation in financial services.”
