SC Ventures, the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, announced on Wednesday it has teamed up with Northern Trust, a provider of asset servicing, to launch Zodia Custody, an institutional-grade custody solution for cryptocurrencies. According to the duo, Zodia is designed to enable institutions to invest in the emerging cryptocurrency assets that are transforming how financial markets operate, including transaction and settlement activities.
While sharing more details about Zodia, Maxime De Guillebon, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia, stated:
“Zodia was established to address the need for a cryptocurrency custodian that truly understands custody. We combine the risk management, compliance, governance and security approach of a regulated financial institution with the cutting-edge innovation of crypto asset and key management technologies. By doing so, we enable operational efficiency and speed of transaction without compromising on security or reliability.”
Alex Manson of SC Ventures, further commented:
“The launch of Zodia demonstrates our commitment to rewiring the DNA in banking. Drawing on Standard Chartered’s heritage of providing custody services to institutional clients for 160 years, Zodia’s mission is to be a ‘force for good’ by lifting industry standards for digital assets in a sustainable, safe and responsible way.”
Zodia Custody is in the process of registering with the FCA under UK Money Laundering Regulations and will apply standards that are equivalent to the custody of traditional securities.