SC Ventures, the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, and Northern Trust, have entered into an agreement to launch Zodia Custody, which they describe as an institutional-grade custody solution for cryptocurrencies.

They note that cryptocurrencies already represent 0.3 percent of the world's currency and bank deposits and are forecast to continue growing with a compound annual growth rate of 32 percent from 2019 to 2024. They add that while there is increasing interest from institutional investors, they account for only 9 percent of investments in cryptocurrencies at present.

Zodia, they advise, is designed to enable institutions to invest in the emerging cryptocurrency assets that are transforming how financial markets operate, including transaction and settlement activities. Under the agreement, which is subject to registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), all applicable regulatory filings and customary closing conditions, Zodia is expected to begin operations in London in 2021.

We are told that Zodia combines the traditional custody principles and expertise of a bank with the agility of a financial technology company to provide an infrastructure that meets the high standards and expectations of institutional investors through a platform that adapts to the changing needs of clients and the market.

At launch, pending regulatory approval, Zodia will provide custody services for the most-traded cryptocurrency assets – Bitcoin, Ethereum, followed by XRP, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash – which represent the majority of client demand and activity, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the total assets [equivalent to US$395 billion] traded on the top cryptocurrency exchanges.

Maxime De Guillebon, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia, said: "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, said: "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."

Pete Cherecwich, President, Corporate & Institutional Services, Northern Trust, said, "The introduction of digital custody backed by the know-how and experience of global banks is a breakthrough in the evolution and support of institutional cryptocurrency markets. Zodia's robust capabilities will make it possible for institutional asset owners, family offices and asset managers to invest in a range of cryptocurrencies as interest continues to grow in these emerging and innovative financial instruments."

How do I enable cookies in my browser?

Internet Explorer
1. Click the Tools button (or press ALT and T on the keyboard), and then click Internet Options.
2. Click the Privacy tab
3. Move the slider away from 'Block all cookies' to a setting you're comfortable with.

Firefox
1. At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu and select Options...
2. Select the Privacy panel.
3. Set Firefox will: to Use custom settings for history.
4. Make sure Accept cookies from sites is selected.

Safari Browser
1. Click Safari icon in Menu Bar
2. Click Preferences (gear icon)
3. Click Security icon
4. Accept cookies: select Radio button "only from sites I visit"

Chrome
1. Click the menu icon to the right of the address bar (looks like 3 lines)
2. Click Settings
3. Click the "Show advanced settings" tab at the bottom
4. Click the "Content settings..." button in the Privacy section
5. At the top under Cookies make sure it is set to "Allow local data to be set (recommended)"

Opera
1. Click the red O button in the upper left hand corner
2. Select Settings -> Preferences
3. Select the Advanced Tab
4. Select Cookies in the list on the left side
5. Set it to "Accept cookies" or "Accept cookies only from the sites I visit"
6. Click OK

SC Ventures, the innovation and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, and Northern Trust, have entered into an agreement to launch Zodia Custody, which they describe as an institutional-grade custody solution for cryptocurrencies.

They note that cryptocurrencies already represent 0.3 percent of the world's currency and bank deposits and are forecast to continue growing with a compound annual growth rate of 32 percent from 2019 to 2024. They add that while there is increasing interest from institutional investors, they account for only 9 percent of investments in cryptocurrencies at present.

Zodia, they advise, is designed to enable institutions to invest in the emerging cryptocurrency assets that are transforming how financial markets operate, including transaction and settlement activities. Under the agreement, which is subject to registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), all applicable regulatory filings and customary closing conditions, Zodia is expected to begin operations in London in 2021.

We are told that Zodia combines the traditional custody principles and expertise of a bank with the agility of a financial technology company to provide an infrastructure that meets the high standards and expectations of institutional investors through a platform that adapts to the changing needs of clients and the market.

At launch, pending regulatory approval, Zodia will provide custody services for the most-traded cryptocurrency assets – Bitcoin, Ethereum, followed by XRP, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash – which represent the majority of client demand and activity, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the total assets [equivalent to US$395 billion] traded on the top cryptocurrency exchanges.

Maxime De Guillebon, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia, said: "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, said: "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."

Pete Cherecwich, President, Corporate & Institutional Services, Northern Trust, said, "The introduction of digital custody backed by the know-how and experience of global banks is a breakthrough in the evolution and support of institutional cryptocurrency markets. Zodia's robust capabilities will make it possible for institutional asset owners, family offices and asset managers to invest in a range of cryptocurrencies as interest continues to grow in these emerging and innovative financial instruments."