Standard Chartered Signs Definitive Deal to Take Full Ownership of Zodia Custody

Standard Chartered has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody UK Limited, the parent company of Zodia's regulated operating entities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Luxembourg and the United Arab Emirates, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The deal advances a non-binding offer that Zodia's shareholders accepted in May 2026.

Under the terms of the transaction, Zodia's crypto custody business will be integrated into Standard Chartered's existing Securities Services operations. Separately, Zodia's software and professional services assets will transfer to a newly created independent entity called Zodia Solutions, which sits under SC Ventures and is expected to continue providing bank-grade digital asset infrastructure to financial institutions, including Standard Chartered itself.

The acquisition fits into Standard Chartered's broader push into digital asset services. The bank had begun considering folding Zodia's custody operations into its corporate and investment banking division as early as April, and in September it launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates. No transaction price has been disclosed, and closing remains contingent on regulatory approvals across the relevant jurisdictions.