British banking giant Standard Chartered announced on May 18, 2026, that its non-binding offer to acquire digital asset custodian Zodia Custody has been accepted by shareholders and noteholders.

The acquisition will integrate Zodia Custody's regulated custody activities into the bank's existing Financing and Securities Services business.

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This move marks a deeper expansion into the digital asset market by Standard Chartered, which originally backed the custodian through its innovation unit, SC Ventures.

Restructuring and New Entity

As part of the restructuring, Zodia Custody will separate its institutional crypto infrastructure operations.

All related infrastructure assets will be transferred to Zodia Solutions, a newly formed independent entity established under SC Ventures.

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The newly created Zodia Solutions will continue to provide bank-grade infrastructure to financial institutions as they launch and scale their cryptocurrency services, including serving Standard Chartered.

The final completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

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Strategic Expansion

"This acquisition will accelerate the growth of Standard Chartered’s global digital assets custody portfolio and support the growth of our Financing and Securities Services business," said Margaret Harwood-Jones, global head of financing and securities services at Standard Chartered.

The bank is also aiming to broaden its presence in the digital asset market through additional specialized financial services.

Earlier reports indicated that the financial institution has also been planning to launch a prime brokerage dedicated to cryptocurrency trading.

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"It also reflects the group’s continued focus on building an end-to-end Digital Assets offering and it further strengthens our position as the trusted bridge between TradFi and DeFi," added Harwood-Jones.