- Standard Chartered has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of digital asset custodian Zodia Custody, subject to regulatory approval.
- The bank plans to integrate Zodia’s custody operations into its Securities Services division while separating its software business into a new company called Zodia Solutions.
- The acquisition expands Standard Chartered’s digital asset infrastructure across major financial markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the UAE and Luxembourg.
Standard Chartered has signed definitive agreements to acquire digital asset custodian Zodia Custody, advancing its efforts to expand institutional cryptocurrency services.
The transaction will see Standard Chartered I H Limited acquire 100% of Zodia Custody Limited, which operates regulated digital asset custody businesses across several international markets.
The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
The agreement follows a non-binding acquisition offer accepted by Zodia’s shareholders and noteholders in May 2026.
Standard Chartered Integrates Zodia Custody Operations
Following completion of the transaction, Standard Chartered plans to integrate Zodia Custody’s operations into its Securities Services division.
The integration will bring Zodia’s institutional cryptocurrency custody infrastructure under the bank’s existing financial services business.
Zodia currently operates regulated entities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Luxembourg.
The acquisition could strengthen Standard Chartered’s ability to provide digital asset custody services to institutional clients across these markets.
The bank’s move also reflects growing demand from financial institutions seeking regulated infrastructure for holding and transferring cryptocurrencies.
However, the transaction has not yet closed and remains dependent on regulatory approval.
Zodia Solutions to Operate as Separate Business
While Zodia’s custody operations will become part of Standard Chartered, its software and professional services division will operate independently.
The business will be established under Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures division as Zodia Solutions.
The new company will focus on providing digital asset technology and professional services to institutional customers.
Standard Chartered will be among its clients, alongside other financial institutions using Zodia’s technology.
Investors in the business will include Northern Trust, NAB Ventures, SBI Ventures and Emirates NBD Bank, among others.
The structure separates regulated custody operations from the technology business, allowing each to operate under a different organizational model.
Standard Chartered Expands Global Crypto Services
The acquisition follows several developments in Standard Chartered’s digital asset strategy.
Earlier in October, the bank announced plans to launch cryptocurrency custody services in Singapore before the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, Zodia Custody secured a payment institution license in Luxembourg in June.
The authorization allows Zodia to provide regulated stablecoin custody and transfer services across the European Union.
The acquisition process has taken longer than initially expected.
After the non-binding offer was accepted in May, definitive agreements were originally targeted for June, with completion anticipated by the end of August.
Zodia also underwent a leadership change in September when CEO Julian Sawyer stepped down and former Chief Revenue Officer Richard Clark assumed the role.
With definitive agreements now signed, the next major step will be securing the necessary regulatory approvals.
If completed, the transaction would further expand Standard Chartered’s institutional cryptocurrency custody capabilities and strengthen its position in the growing digital asset services market.
