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Standard Chartered has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Zodia Custody, following the acceptance of its non-binding offer, the bank announced in London on 21 October 2026.
Shareholders and noteholders of Zodia Custody, a digital asset custodian backed by SC Ventures, accepted the non-binding offer on 18 May 2026. Zodia Custody was launched in 2020 by SC Ventures, the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, together with Northern Trust.
Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, Standard Chartered I H Limited will acquire 100% of Zodia Custody UK Limited, the parent company of Zodia Custody’s regulated operating entities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Luxembourg.
After completion, Zodia Custody’s regulated digital asset custody business will be integrated into Standard Chartered’s existing digital asset custody activities within Securities Services. The move will consolidate Standard Chartered’s digital asset custody businesses and is intended to unlock revenue synergies and strengthen the group’s digital asset capabilities. It also supports the bank’s ambition to build a unified client offering that integrates traditional and digital asset securities services for institutional clients globally.
As part of the transaction, Zodia Custody will separate its digital asset software and professional services business and transfer the related assets to Zodia Solutions, an independent entity to be established under SC Ventures. Zodia Solutions will continue to provide bank-grade infrastructure to financial institutions, including Standard Chartered, as they launch and scale digital asset services.
Zodia Solutions will be supported by several bank investors, including NAB Ventures Pty Limited, Northern Trust Corporation, SBI Ventures Asset Pte. Ltd, Q Studio Restricted Limited (Further Ventures), Emirates NBD Bank (P.J.S.C.), Zodia Investments Limited (Investcorp) and Zodia Holdings Limited, which is owned by SC Ventures.
Ying Ying Tan, Global Head of Securities Services and Digital Assets, Standard Chartered said:
“We continue to invest in our platform and expand our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our clients. The acquisition of Zodia Custody further deepens our digital asset custody portfolio and reinforces our position as a leading provider of digital asset services globally. This is in line with our commitment to provide our clients with access to institutional-grade custody supported by the depth, breadth and global connectivity of an international cross-border bank.”
Richard Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Zodia Custody
Richard Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Zodia Custody said:
“As institutional adoption of digital assets accelerates, custody is increasingly becoming part of the global banking landscape. Zodia Custody has built a strong business with the specialist expertise and capabilities to meet the needs of institutional clients. Bringing that expertise together with Standard Chartered’s global reach and established banking platform will strengthen its digital asset custody offering and provide institutions with greater access to trusted, regulated custody services worldwide.”
Craig Perrin, Chief Executive Officer, Zodia Solutions
Craig Perrin, Chief Executive Officer, Zodia Solutions said:
“Financial institutions are moving beyond digital asset pilots towards operating services at scale. They need trusted technology partners with the expertise and infrastructure to support them. Zodia Solutions provides bank-grade technology that enables institutions to launch, operate and scale digital asset services.”
Standard Chartered said no disruption to clients is expected as a result of the transaction, and existing Zodia Custody clients will continue to be serviced as usual.
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