Standard Chartered signs deal to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody parent

Standard Chartered has entered into definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody UK Limited, the parent company of Zodia Custody’s regulated digital asset custody businesses across Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Luxembourg.

The agreement follows the acceptance of Standard Chartered’s non-binding acquisition offer. Completion is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Once the transaction closes, Zodia Custody’s regulated custody operations will be incorporated into Standard Chartered’s existing digital asset custody business within Securities Services.

The bank expects the integration to consolidate its custody operations, generate revenue synergies and expand its digital asset capabilities. The deal also supports Standard Chartered’s ambition to offer institutional clients a unified platform covering both traditional and digital asset securities services worldwide.

Zodia Custody’s digital asset software and professional services business will be separated from the acquisition and transferred, together with the related assets, to Zodia Solutions, an independent entity to be established under SC Ventures.

Zodia Solutions will continue supplying bank-grade technology and infrastructure to financial institutions seeking to launch, operate and expand digital asset services.

Standard Chartered’s digital asset push

Standard Chartered received a MiCA authorization in Luxembourg in June 2026, building on the Luxembourg entity it established in 2025. The authorization gives the bank a regulated entry point to offer digital-asset services from Luxembourg, with EU expansion subject to applicable cross-border rules and approvals.

The bank also plans to launch institutional crypto custody services in Singapore by the end of 2026.