Standard Chartered Moves to Acquire Zodia Custody, Awaits Regulatory Green Light
The bank has signed agreements to acquire the digital asset custodian but needs regulatory approvals to complete the deal.
The bank has signed agreements to acquire the digital asset custodian but needs regulatory approvals to complete the deal. This is an original Token Times brief synthesising 4 outlets (Blockonomi, Crypto.news, Cointelegraph, and others), plus live market data, as of Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:15:01 UTC.
This acquisition would position Standard Chartered to expand its presence in the digital asset space by integrating regulated crypto custody services into its existing securities business, reflecting growing institutional interest in crypto infrastructure.
- Standard Chartered signed agreements to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody.
- The deal requires regulatory approval before completion.
- Zodia Solutions will operate separately under SC Ventures.
- Total crypto market cap is $2.87T amid a broadly positive market.
All three outlets - Blockonomi, Crypto.news, and Cointelegraph - confirm that Standard Chartered has signed definitive agreements to acquire full ownership of Zodia Custody, with the company's regulated crypto custody operations set to join Standard Chartered's Securities Services division. They also agree that regulatory approvals are still pending. However, while Blockonomi mentions that Zodia Solutions will operate separately under SC Ventures with backing from banking investors, this detail is not mentioned by the other outlets. Additionally, Cointelegraph notes that the signing follows shareholder acceptance of a non-binding offer in May, a detail not covered by the other sources.
Standard Chartered has taken a significant step in expanding its digital asset services by signing definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody Limited, a digital asset custodian.
The acquisition will integrate Zodia Custody's regulated crypto custody operations into Standard Chartered's existing Securities Services division, according to an announcement from the bank on October 21.
While the agreements have been signed, the deal is still subject to regulatory approvals. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed by Standard Chartered.
Zodia Solutions, a separate entity, will continue to operate under SC Ventures, the innovation arm of Standard Chartered. This entity has backing from several banking investors, indicating a strategic approach to maintaining a presence in the digital asset space.
The broader crypto market remains in a positive trend with a total market cap of $2.87 trillion, and 
Bitcoin is up 1.70% in the last 24 hours. The Fear & Greed Index stands at 63, indicating a 'Greed' sentiment among investors.
Standard Chartered Moves to Acquire Zodia Custody, Awaits Re — questions & answers
What is Zodia Custody?
Zodia Custody is a digital asset custodian whose regulated operations will be integrated into Standard Chartered's Securities Services division.
When will the acquisition be completed?
The acquisition is pending regulatory approvals, so a specific completion date is not yet available.
How will Zodia Solutions operate after the acquisition?
Zodia Solutions will continue to operate separately under SC Ventures, the innovation arm of Standard Chartered.
Which outlets reported this story?
This is an original Token Times brief that synthesises reporting from Blockonomi, Crypto.news, Cointelegraph, Unchained, with the key figures cross-checked for agreement across them. It is not a copy of any one article — follow the source links above for the original reporting.
Original summary — not financial advice. This is an original Token Times brief that summarises a development reported elsewhere and adds live market data for context; it is not the original article and reproduces no part of it. Follow the source link above for full details. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.