Standard Chartered has signed definitive agreements to acquire Zodia Custody.
The bank plans to integrate Zodia’s regulated custody operations into its existing digital asset custody business.
Meanwhile, Zodia will transfer its software and professional services business to a separate company.
The agreements follow the acceptance of Standard Chartered’s non-binding offer in May 2026.
Standard Chartered I H Limited will acquire 100% of Zodia Custody Limited, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Zodia Custody Limited oversees regulated operating entities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the UAE and Luxembourg.
How Standard Chartered will integrate the business
After completing the acquisition, Standard Chartered will integrate Zodia’s regulated custody operations into its Securities Services unit.
The bank expects the consolidation to generate revenue synergies and strengthen its digital asset capabilities.
The deal also supports its plans to offer institutional clients traditional securities and digital asset services through a unified global platform.
Standard Chartered expects no disruption to existing Zodia Custody clients and said services will continue as usual.
“The acquisition of Zodia Custody further deepens our digital asset custody portfolio,”
said Ying Ying Tan, Global Head of Securities Services and Digital Assets at Standard Chartered.
Tan added that the acquisition supports the bank’s efforts to provide institutional-grade custody services through its international banking network.
Zodia Solutions to operate under SC Ventures
As part of the transaction, Zodia Custody will separate its digital asset software and professional services business.
Zodia Custody will transfer the related assets to Zodia Solutions, an independent entity that will operate under Standard Chartered’s venture arm, SC Ventures.
Zodia Solutions will provide technology infrastructure to financial institutions, including Standard Chartered, as they launch and expand digital asset services.
Several investors will back Zodia Solutions, including NAB Ventures, Northern Trust, SBI Ventures Asset, Further Ventures and Emirates NBD.
The investor group also includes Investcorp through Zodia Investments Limited and SC Ventures through Zodia Holdings Limited.
Richard Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia Custody, said:
“Zodia Custody has built a strong business with the specialist expertise and capabilities to meet the needs of institutional clients.”
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Who is Danny via Magnific
