OKX to use Standard Chartered for crypto custody

OKX to use Standard Chartered for crypto custody

OKX, cryptocurrency exchange and global onchain technology company, will be utilizing Standard Chartered, cross-border bank connecting the world’s most dynamic markets, as a third-party crypto custodian for its global institutional business.

The custody agreement with Standard Chartered is a significant addition to OKX’s comprehensive suite of institutional services, which includes advanced trading capabilities, robust risk management tools and enhanced custody solutions. By leveraging Standard Chartered’s extensive global banking expertise and rigorous risk management framework, OKX aims to offer institutional investors a broader range of secure and reliable custody solutions.

OKX Global Chief Commercial Officer Lennix Lai said, “We selected Standard Chartered as an institutional custodian partner to enhance our offering and accelerate the integration of digital assets within the traditional financial ecosystem. Standard Chartered’s extensive global banking expertise and unwavering commitment to security aligns with our objective to provide exceptional crypto services and reinforces the confidence of our institutional clients in managing their digital assets.”

Standard Chartered Global Head of Financing & Securities Services Margaret Harwood-Jones said “We are committed to offering custodial services that meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. Serving as OKX’s third-party custodian allows us to extend our expertise into the evolving cryptocurrency sector, providing institutional investors with the assurance they require.”

This collaboration is expected to attract increased institutional participation in the digital asset market, contributing to a more mature environment for institutions globally. It aligns with the findings of a recently published OKX-commissioned research brief authored by Economist Impact, entitled “Digital assets as the new alternative for institutional investors: market dynamics, opportunities and challenges,” which highlights institutional investors’ view that digital assets are an inevitable institutional opportunity. The report also finds that 80% of traditional and crypto hedge funds utilizing digital assets employ third-party custodians, highlighting strong demand for segregation of duties related to trade execution and asset custody.

Prior to this announcement Brevan Howard became the first client for Standard Chartered regulated crypto custody service out of DIFC. DIFC ( Dubai International Financial center) regulator DFSA ( Dubai Financial has granted a license to Standard Chartered for its digital asset custody service in the UAE. 

UAE a source of significant amount of crypto trading for Brevan Howard

UAE a source of significant amount of crypto trading for Brevan Howard

 During the AIM Conference in Dubai, Brevan Howard a global hedge fund management fund which recently opened its offices in Abu Dhabi UAE noted that it does a significant amount of its crypto trading from the United Arab Emirates. Ryan Taylor, Group head of compliance at Brevan Howard stated that this was because of the country’s sensible regulations.

Taylor stated, “The regulators in the UAE are hard, but they want the industry to fly and so they write sensible regulations and they are prepared to talk to the industry in order to evolve those regulations.”

Taylor said that Brevan Howard’s crypto trading operations represented about $2 billion of the firm’s total strategies which he said were over $30 billion. Brevan Howard has become the first global hedge fund to have 100 employees in the United Arab Emirates.

The statements come soon after Brevan Howard became the first client for Standard Chartered regulated crypto custody service out of DIFC.

In May 2024, Standard Chartered announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to collaborate on digital assets, including digital asset custody through its Zodia Custody entity. The now licensed service will allow clients to safekeep their Ethereum and Bitcoin cryptocurrencies as a start.

Brevan Howard Digital, the dedicated crypto and digital asset division of Brevan Howard, is confirmed as the inaugural client for the product.

During the announcement, Gautam Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Brevan Howard Digital commented, “This is a significant win for the UAE and the wider digital asset industry. Standard Chartered’s global reputation and demonstrated commitment to this space adds a layer of credibility that is meaningful for institutional adoption. The development of the institutional infrastructure within the asset class and region supports our established business within the ADGM in its continued expansion and our ongoing efforts toward improving and reinforcing standards in the digital asset ecosystem.” 

Brevan Howard, which manages $35bn in assets, opened its Abu Dhabi office in February 2023.

Brevan Howard is first crypto custodian client of Standard Chartered out of DIFC

Brevan Howard is first crypto custodian client of Standard Chartered out of DIFC

Brevan Howard is the first client for Standard Chartered regulated crypto custody service out of DIFC. DIFC ( Dubai International Financial center) regulator DFSA ( Dubai Financial has granted a license to Standard Chartered for its digital asset custody service in the UAE. In May 2024, Standard Chartered has announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to collaborate on digital assets, including digital asset custody through its Zodia Custody entity.

The now licensed service will allow clients to safekeep their Ethereum and Bitcoin cryptocurrencies as a start. Brevan Howard Digital, the dedicated crypto and digital asset division of Brevan Howard, is confirmed as the inaugural client for the product.

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank said, “The launch of our digital asset custody offering represents a pivotal moment not just for Standard Chartered, but for the financial services industry. We firmly believe that digital assets are not merely a passing trend, but a fundamental shift in the fabric of finance.”

Margaret Harwood-Jones, Global Head of Financing & Securities Services added, “After a period of intensive work and close collaboration with regulators both regionally and globally, we are thrilled to welcome Brevan Howard Digital as the first client of our digital asset custody offering. This announcement demonstrates the growing institutional interest in digital assets and the critical need for secure, regulated custody solutions. Our offering goes beyond simple wallet services – it is a comprehensive solution that addresses the unique challenges of digital asset custody from a regulatory, risk and prudential point of view. It is a game changer for institutional clients, as we can support them with our traditional expertise to navigate the complexities of the digital asset space, without compromising on the highest standards of security.”

Gautam Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Brevan Howard Digital commented, “This is a significant win for the UAE and the wider digital asset industry. Standard Chartered’s global reputation and demonstrated commitment to this space adds a layer of credibility that is meaningful for institutional adoption. The development of the institutional infrastructure within the asset class and region supports our established business within the ADGM in its continued expansion and our ongoing efforts toward improving and reinforcing standards in the digital asset ecosystem.” 

The Bank plans to broaden its scope in the coming months to encompass a wider range of digital assets, and is actively exploring opportunities to extend its custody services to other key financial hubs in its footprint markets.

Crypto.com launches its global retail service from Dubai UAE

Crypto.com launches its global retail service from Dubai UAE

Crypto.com, the global crypto exchange, has announced that it will be launching its global retail services across 90 countries out of Dubai UAE. The crypto exchange has partnered with Standard Chartered Bank to allow the deposit and withdrawal of crypto and fiat easily.

As per their X post, “This is the first seamless USD, EUR and AED deposit and withdrawal in over 90 countries. We’re excited to announce the launch of global retail services to our millions of users worldwide, powered by Standard Chartered Bank from our Dubai hub.”

The company claims that this move will improve the efficiency and utility of users’ cryptocurrency transactions.

The global retail services will be managed from Crypto.com’s regional hub in Dubai. Standard Chartered will support the expansion. The regulatory framework established by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority is intended to provide a secure environment for the growth of digital assets.

“Working with Standard Chartered to launch our global retail services is a huge milestone for us,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com.

“Not only is it a significant step forward in our global expansion plans, but also enables our commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience whilst maintaining the highest levels of security and compliance,”

The service will first be available next month to customers in the UAE. Users in the region will be able to access Crypto.com’s products and services through the app. This includes the ability to trade over 250 cryptocurrencies. Crypto.com plans to expand the service to other countries in the future.

The company aims to offer the same services and financial infrastructure for deposits and withdrawals to a global audience.

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan for Standard Chartered, added: “This collaboration closely aligns with the UAE’s National Agenda which emphasizes innovation, economic diversification, and the growth of a knowledge-based economy.”

“By providing cutting edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers across the UAE and beyond, we are contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a regional and international hub for digital assets,” she added.

In April of 2024, Crypto.com received its full license from Dubai’s virtual asset regulator VARA.

SC Ventures to invest in digital assets, SMEs, the online economy from its office in Abu Dhabi

SC Ventures to invest in digital assets, SMEs, the online economy from its office in Abu Dhabi

Standard Chartered’s  venture capital firm, SC Ventures, opens office in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) Abu Dhabi UAE, after setting up a digital asset joint venture with Japanese SBI Holdings in the UAE.

SC Ventures office will engage the fintech and startup ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the region; identify venture-building capabilities and partnerships with UAE’s venture capital community; invest in promising growth opportunities, collaborate with local universities and explore new technologies and business trends. The ADGM office will follow SC Ventures’ four high-conviction themes that include Online Economy & Lifestyle, Digital Assets, SMEs & World Trade and Sustainability and inclusion.

SC Ventures aims to tap into the region’s vibrant technology and business innovation ecosystem, venture building capabilities and access to local talent. Gautam Jain, member of SC Ventures, is slated to lead the new Abu Dhabi office.

Gautum Jain stated, “UAE’s global tech ecosystem experienced a 134% growth in Ecosystem Value — the sixth fastest globally and the biggest in the Middle East and North African region. SC Ventures sees strong opportunities in the regions’ potential to help rewire the DNA in banking through its top-notch talent and capabilities in venture building and investment mandate — specifically in the areas of fintech, digital assets and data.”

He added, “In Q3 2023, ADGM’s assets under management (AUM) increased 52% from Q3 2022. This remarkable growth has solidified ADGM’s reputation as a trusted financial hub. SC Ventures looks forward to tapping into this community of innovation as we continue to rewire the DNA in banking to best serve clients and meet society’s needs.”

“We are pleased to see additional international financial institutions choosing ADGM and Abu Dhabi as their home for business development and regional growth. We welcome SC Ventures’ strategic decision, and we look forward to witnessing its positive contributions to the financial ecosystem as well as working with broader eco-system including Hub 71, the venture capital community in ADGM and beyond, as it continues to thrive and expand its business operations and services offerings,” said Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM.

“ ADGM is a hotbed of innovation as the UAE is methodically building the ecosystem, aiming to develop more than 8,000 SMEs and startups by 2030 and with the goal of creating 20 startups valued at more than US$1 billion by 2031 as part of its Entrepreneurial Nation initiative. We are excited to join and will contribute to the best of our abilities, as we continue to build our portfolio of ventures to rewire the DNA of banking and financial services in the region,” said Alex Manson, CEO, SC Ventures. 

Standard Chartered and SBI to launch $100 million digital asset venture company in UAE

Standard Chartered and SBI to launch $100 million digital asset venture company in UAE

Standard Chartered’s , venture arm SC Ventures, an innovation and fintech investment arm has partnered with Japanese SBI Holdings to establish a Digital Asset Joint Venture investment company in UAE. The parties intend to capitalize the vehicle with $100 million. The company will invest in DeFi, tokenization, consumer payments and metaverse.

The Digital Asset Joint Venture plans to make investments ranging from seed to Series C funding with a focus on investing globally.

Alex Manson, CEO, SC Ventures stated in the press release, “The region is fast becoming a hub for fintechs in the digital asset space due to its strengthening infrastructure and talent. The Digital Asset Joint Venture will be an important vehicle to explore the emerging digital asset ecosystem opportunities globally. The Joint Venture will leverage SC Ventures’ experience in digital assets through our ventures such as Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, and through our investments in FinTech like Ripple and Metaco.”

In May 2023, Standard Chartered signed an MOU with the Dubai International Financial Centre to collaborate in the digital asset space, including digital asset custody. That same month, SC Ventures exited its stake in Metaco SA, a Swiss-based tech firm offering critical software infrastructure that enables institutions to issue, secure, manage and trade digital assets. U.S. crypto firm Ripple acquired Metaco for US$250 million in its first major acquisition. Ripple is a SC Ventures portfolio company.

“Our Digital Asset Joint Venture plans to make strategic and minority investments in areas such as market infrastructure, risk management and compliance tools, DeFi, tokenization, consumer payments, and the Metaverse. This is one of several strategic initiatives and we will continue to invest and expand our footprint in the region as well as across the digital assets ecosystem,” Manson added.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership to establish a Digital Asset Joint Venture in UAE together with SC Ventures and bring to bear the collective capabilities of both our organisations in the digital asset space,” said Yoshitaka Kitao, SBI Holdings, Inc. Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO. “This initiative further solidifies the strategic relationship between SBI Holdings and SC Ventures following our investment forays into SC Ventures’ portfolio companies including Solv, Zodia Custody and myZoi.”

“We congratulate SC Ventures and SBI Holdings on their drive to help shape the future of finance as they forge ahead with their first Digital Asset Joint Venture in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). In a world where the conversation around digital assets has rapidly evolved from ‘why’ to an eagerly anticipated ‘when,’ DIFC stands at the forefront of regulation, having meticulously tailored its ecosystem to foster an environment that nurtures investment, fuels exponential growth, and drives innovation,” said Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer, DIFC.

Standard Chartered’s digital asset platform received In Principle approval from Abu Dhabi’s ADGM

Standard Chartered’s digital asset platform received In Principle approval from Abu Dhabi’s ADGM

Standard Chartered’s backed digital asset platform, Zodia markets, has received an In-Principle Approval (IPA) fulfilling the pre-requisites to receive a Financial Services Permission (FSP) for OTC broker-dealer in virtual assets by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi’s international financial center.

As per the press release, Zodia Markets has chosen to expand into the UAE as the region establishes itself as a rapidly emerging hub for digital assets. The strategic expansion provides institutional investors from the Middle East and Africa with reliable access to this growing, alternative asset class, consolidating Zodia Markets’ position as an integral part of the global digital asset landscape.

Salem Mohammed Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority said, “We congratulate Zodia Markets on receiving the IPA from ADGM and welcome them to our vibrant ecosystem. Our evolving regime, progressive regulatory environment, and strong value proposition support businesses in the digital asset space, as we remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards. The harmony of traditional and new-age finance in Abu Dhabi with an international leading digital asset firm such as Zodia Markets that is backed by the well-established Standard Chartered will contribute to further enhancing the attractiveness of ADGM as a preferred destination for global entities.”

Andrew Price, Chief Compliance Officer of Zodia Markets said, “Abu Dhabi has already established a clear and forward-looking virtual asset regulatory framework. This early adoption and foresight have enabled it to attract innovation, talent and investment while raising the bar for compliance in virtual asset firms. It has been a pleasure working with the FSRA so far and I look forward to deepening our roots in the region.” 

Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets said, “We are delighted to achieve this milestone on the journey to establish ourselves in the Middle East. We are excited at the opportunities this will open up for our business and this demonstrates progress in our expansion as a leading institution-first digital asset trading business. Our goal is to provide institutions seamless access to trade digital assets without compromising on the standards and controls that exist in traditional financial markets.”

In August 2022, Zodia Markets had announced its intention to expand into Abu Dhabi in 2023. At the time the company had stated that Abu Dhabi would be Zodia Markets first presence in the MENA region as it targets growth opportunities.

Zodia went live in July 2022 in the United Kingdom. U.K.-based Zodia Markets is a sister company of Zodia Custody, the digital assets safekeeping platform. Both firms share the same majority shareholder in SC Ventures, the venture arm of Standard Chartered.

Prior to this Abu Dhabi’s ADGM had granted RAIN crypto broker a virtual asset brokerage and custody service license. In 2022 , cryptocurrency platform Rain received in-principle approval for financial services permission (FSP) from Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGB), which if it is fully approved will allow it to operate beyond the GCC region and offer a greater number of virtual asset pairs.

Standard Chartered’s institutional crypto exchange and brokerage firm to enter Abu Dhabi UAE in 2023

Standard Chartered’s institutional crypto exchange and brokerage firm to enter Abu Dhabi UAE in 2023

As per a recent news report Standard Chartered backed institutional cryptocurrency exchange and brokerage firm focused on institutions, is expanding into Abu Dhabi in 2023. Abu Dhabi will be Zodia Markets first presence in the MENA region as it targets growth opportunities.

Zodia went live in July 2022 in the United Kingdom. U.K.-based Zodia Markets is a sister company of Zodia Custody, the digital assets safekeeping platform. Both firms share the same majority shareholder in SC Ventures, the venture arm of Standard Chartered.

At the time of its launch in UK the firm, was granted Financial Conduct Authority approval, with spot trading of bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH). 

Zodia Markets has drafted an application to operate in Abu Dhabi but plans to submit a new one in early 2023 after extended talks with regulators.

Chief executive Usman Ahmad told Financial News London that Abu Dhabi is attractive because it has been “forward-looking with respect to putting the regulatory framework in place”.

The United Arab Emirates has sought to capitalize on the lack of clear crypto regulations in Europe and the USA. Abu Dhabi adopted a virtual asset regulatory framework in 2018 through ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), as did Dubai in 2022 with its VARA regulatory authority.