Standard Chartered signs definitive deal to acquire Zodia Custody
The signing follows shareholders’ acceptance of Standard Chartered’s non-binding offer in May, with regulatory approvals still pending.
Standard Chartered has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Zodia Custody, a regulated digital asset custodian, marking a significant step forward in the bank's push into institutional crypto services. The deal follows shareholders' formal acceptance of Standard Chartered's non-binding offer, which was first announced in May 2025. Regulatory approvals remain pending before the transaction can be completed.
Zodia Custody was originally established as a joint venture between Standard Chartered and Northern Trust, later attracting additional investors. The firm operates as a regulated custodian for institutional clients seeking secure storage and management of digital assets. Standard Chartered has maintained a growing presence in the digital asset space through its ventures arm, SC Ventures, and the signing of this definitive agreement represents a move to consolidate and deepen that exposure.
The acquisition signals continued institutional appetite for regulated crypto infrastructure, particularly in custody — a sector considered foundational to broader institutional adoption. As banks and asset managers increase their digital asset allocations, demand for compliant, bank-grade custody solutions has intensified, making Zodia Custody an increasingly strategic asset for a global institution like Standard Chartered.
Market participants will be watching for regulatory clearance across the relevant jurisdictions, which will determine the timeline for deal completion. The outcome could influence how other traditional financial institutions approach similar acquisitions in the digital asset custody space going forward.
Source: Cointelegraph
