Standard Chartered Signs Definitive Agreements to Acquire Zodia Custody

London - Following the acceptance of its non-binding offer to acquire Zodia Custody (ZC), Standard Chartered (SC) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Zodia Custody (ZC).

Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, Standard Chartered I H Limited will acquire 100% of Zodia Custody Limited, the parent company of ZC's regulated operating entities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Luxembourg.

Post completion, ZC'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 (DA) custody businesses and will drive value by unlocking revenue synergies, further strengthening the Group's digital asset capabilities and supporting its ambition to build a unified client offering that integrates both traditional and digital asset securities services for institutional clients, globally.

As part of the transaction, ZC will separate its digital asset software and professional services business and transfer the assets relating to that business 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 a number of 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 (owned by SC Ventures).

Ying Ying Tan, Global Head of Securities Services and Digital Assets at 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 of 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 of 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."

There is no expected disruption to clients as a result of the transaction. Existing ZC custody clients continue to be serviced as usual.

For further information please contact:

Celine Ng
Standard Chartered Bank

About Zodia Custody
Zodia Custody is a digital asset custodian serving institutional clients globally through bank-grade infrastructure and regulated custody solutions. Following the transaction, Zodia Custody's regulated custody business will be integrated into Standard Chartered's Financing and Securities Services business.

About Zodia Solutions
Zodia Solutions is an institutional digital asset infrastructure platform that enables financial institutions to design, deliver and grow digital asset services through trusted, bank-grade technology and infrastructure. With leading global banks among its initial shareholders, Zodia Solutions supports financial institutions worldwide.

About SC Ventures
SC Ventures builds and invests in breakthrough ventures in and beyond banking. SC Ventures by Standard Chartered provides a platform for organisations to collaborate and co-create fintech ecosystems to reimagine the future of finance. For more information, please visit www.scventures.io and follow SC Ventures on LinkedIn.