Standard Chartered Signs Definitive Deal to Acquire 100% of Zodia Custody

Standard Chartered has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody, strengthening its institutional cryptocurrency custody business. Announced on October 21, 2026, the transaction will transfer ownership of Zodia Custody Limited to Standard Chartered I H Limited. The acquisition covers regulated operations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Luxembourg. However, completion remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The agreement follows shareholders’ and noteholders’ acceptance of Standard Chartered’s non-binding acquisition offer in May 2026. Under the proposed structure, Zodia Custody’s regulated digital asset custody operations will join the bank’s Financing and Securities Services division. Meanwhile, its institutional technology platform will operate separately as Zodia Solutions under SC Ventures. The restructuring aims to consolidate custody operations while maintaining dedicated technology services for financial institutions.

The transaction marks another step in Standard Chartered’s expansion into institutional digital assets. The bank has been building cryptocurrency custody, trading, and tokenization capabilities across major financial centers. Integrating Zodia Custody could improve operational efficiency and expand its regulated digital asset services. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and the acquisition timeline depends on regulatory clearance.