Standard Chartered is buying crypto custodian Zodia Custody outright

The deal. Zodia's shareholders accepted the bank's non-binding offer in May. Now definitive agreements are signed: the buyer, Standard Chartered I H Limited, will take 100% of Zodia Custody UK Limited. Under it sit Zodia's regulated companies in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the UAE and Luxembourg. The price was not disclosed.

What happens next. Zodia's digital asset custody business will be folded into the bank's Securities Services unit, which already runs its own crypto custody. The bank wants one offer for institutional clients across traditional and digital securities.

What gets spun out. Zodia's software and professional services move to Zodia Solutions, a new independent company under SC Ventures. Several banks back it, including Northern Trust, Emirates NBD and NAB Ventures. It will keep building infrastructure for banks launching crypto services.

For clients. Zodia says it expects no disruption and existing clients are served as usual. Zodia's services are only for institutional and professional investors, not the public. According to Cointelegraph, in September Standard Chartered launched spot bitcoin and ether trading for institutional clients in the UAE.

Hechos confirmados

• On 21 October 2026 Standard Chartered signed definitive agreements to acquire Zodia Custody.^[1][2]
• Standard Chartered I H Limited will acquire 100% of Zodia Custody UK Limited, parent of regulated units in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the UAE and Luxembourg.^[1][2]
• The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.^[1][2]
• Zodia's shareholders accepted the bank's non-binding offer in May.^[2]
• Zodia's custody business will be integrated into the bank's Securities Services unit.^[1][2]
• Zodia's software and professional services move to the independent Zodia Solutions under SC Ventures, backed by banks including Northern Trust, Emirates NBD and NAB Ventures.^[1]
• No disruption to clients is expected, and existing clients are served as usual.^[1]
• In September Standard Chartered launched spot bitcoin and ether trading for institutional clients in the UAE.^[2]

Implicaciones

• ConfirmadoInstitutional crypto custody is becoming part of a mainstream global bank.
• ConfirmadoNothing changes directly for retail investors: Zodia only serves institutions.
• Nuestra lecturaOther big banks may buy crypto custodians rather than build their own.

Todavía no se sabe

• The price of the deal.
• When regulators will approve it.
• How much in assets Zodia holds in custody.

A quién afecta

UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, UAE, Luxembourg. Anyone watching crypto move into big banks

Fuentes

1. Zodia Custody: Standard Chartered Signs Definitive Agreements to Acquire Zodia Custody 21 de octubre de 2026 · oficial
2. Cointelegraph: Standard Chartered signs definitive deal to acquire Zodia Custody 21 de octubre de 2026 · medios