Zodia Markets: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Zodia Markets is a UK-based digital asset trading platform that specializes in providing institutional clients with secure and compliant access to digital asset markets. Established in 2021, the company operates as a subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank, leveraging the bank's extensive experience in traditional finance to bridge the gap between conventional financial systems and the emerging digital asset ecosystem.

Mission and Vision

Zodia Markets aims to reshape the movement of institutional capital by offering real-time, cross-border trading and settlement solutions through stablecoins. The company's vision is to provide a seamless and efficient platform that enables institutions to navigate the complexities of digital asset markets with the same confidence they have in traditional finance.

Primary Area of Focus

The company focuses on delivering institutional-grade trading services, including over-the-counter (OTC) trading, electronic trading, and on-chain foreign exchange (FX) services. By supporting a wide range of digital assets and fiat currencies, Zodia Markets caters to the diverse needs of institutional investors seeking reliable and compliant digital asset trading solutions.

Industry Significance

As a pioneer in integrating traditional banking standards with digital asset trading, Zodia Markets plays a crucial role in facilitating institutional adoption of digital assets. Its partnership with Standard Chartered Bank underscores the growing recognition of digital assets within mainstream financial institutions and highlights the importance of secure and regulated platforms for institutional investors.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Institutional Adoption: Facilitate the seamless entry of institutional investors into the digital asset space by providing a secure and compliant trading environment.

• Global Expansion: Extend the company's reach by establishing a presence in key financial hubs worldwide, including the Middle East and Europe.

• Stablecoin Integration: Develop and enhance stablecoin payment solutions to offer efficient and real-time settlement options for cross-border transactions.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading: Offer bespoke trading services for large-volume transactions, ensuring minimal market impact and optimal pricing.

• Electronic Trading: Provide a high-throughput, low-latency trading platform that supports a wide array of digital asset pairs.

• On-Chain Foreign Exchange (FX): Enable real-time, cross-border FX transactions using stablecoins, enhancing liquidity and reducing settlement times.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Stablecoin Infrastructure: Utilize stablecoins to facilitate real-time, cross-border settlements, reducing reliance on traditional banking hours and systems.

• Advanced Trading Platforms: Employ high-performance trading systems capable of handling large volumes and providing deep liquidity.

• Regulatory Compliance Tools: Implement robust compliance frameworks to meet the stringent requirements of institutional investors and regulatory bodies.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Institutional Investors: Cater to asset managers, hedge funds, and other large financial entities seeking secure and efficient digital asset trading solutions.

• Cross-Border Transactions: Address the need for rapid and cost-effective international settlements, particularly in emerging markets.

• Regulated Environments: Operate within jurisdictions that require adherence to strict regulatory standards, ensuring trust and reliability among institutional clients.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In July 2025, Zodia Markets successfully raised $18.25 million in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Pharsalus Capital, a New York-based venture capital firm, with participation from Circle Ventures, The Operating Group, XVC Tech, Token Bay Capital, Human Capital, Polymorphic Capital, and other strategic investors.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are intended to accelerate Zodia Markets' international growth, enhance stablecoin payment solutions, and develop additional institutional trading products. The investment will also support the firm's geographic expansion and the growing capability of stablecoin-based payment orchestration.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Zodia Markets is actively developing a suite of institutional trading products focused on stablecoin-enabled cross-border payment solutions. These products aim to provide real-time settlement capabilities, enhancing the efficiency and speed of international transactions for institutional clients.

Stages of Development

The company is in the advanced stages of product development, with several offerings expected to be launched in the near future. Specific timelines for these products have not been publicly disclosed.

Target Conditions

The primary focus is on facilitating cross-border transactions, particularly in emerging markets where traditional banking infrastructure may be less developed. By leveraging stablecoins, Zodia Markets aims to offer a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional payment systems.

Anticipated Milestones

• Product Launches: Introduction of new trading products and services tailored to institutional clients.

• Geographic Expansion: Establishment of additional operational hubs in key financial centers globally.

• Regulatory Approvals: Securing necessary licenses and approvals to operate in new jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure: Developed to facilitate real-time, cross-border settlements, reducing reliance on traditional banking systems and enhancing transaction speed.

• High-Performance Trading Systems: Designed to handle large volumes of transactions with low latency, ensuring efficient and reliable trading experiences for institutional clients.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Regulatory Compliance Frameworks: Implemented to meet the stringent requirements of institutional investors and regulatory bodies, ensuring trust and reliability.

• Risk Management Protocols: Established to mitigate potential risks associated with digital asset trading, safeguarding both the company and its clients.

Leadership Team

Usman Ahmad: Co-Founder and CEO

• Professional Background: Usman has extensive experience in both traditional finance and digital assets, having held leadership positions in various financial institutions prior to founding Zodia Markets.

• Key Contributions: Under his leadership, Zodia Markets has secured significant funding, expanded its product offerings, and established a strong presence in the institutional digital asset trading space.

Nick Philpott: Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships

• Professional Background: Nick brings a wealth of experience in financial services and technology, with a focus on strategic partnerships and business development.

• Key Contributions: He has been instrumental in forging key partnerships, including those with Finery Markets and Hidden Road, enhancing Zodia Markets' liquidity and trading capabilities.

Leadership Changes

As of December 2025, there have been no publicly disclosed significant changes or appointments within Zodia Markets' leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The digital asset trading market is experiencing rapid growth, with increasing institutional adoption and a surge in demand for secure and compliant trading platforms. This expansion is driven by the need for efficient cross-border payment solutions and the integration of digital assets into traditional financial systems.

Competitor Analysis

• Elwood Capital Management: A digital asset trading firm that offers OTC trading services. In July 2024, Zodia Markets acquired Elwood's OTC business, enhancing its capabilities in this area.

• Finery Markets: Provides non-custodial crypto ECN and SaaS trading solutions. Zodia Markets partnered with Finery Markets in April 2025 to extend institutional access to digital asset and fiat liquidity.

• Hidden Road: Offers a global credit network for institutions. Zodia Markets joined Hidden Road's network in March 2025 to expand institutional digital asset liquidity and enable Euro stablecoin trading.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Fireblocks Network for Payments: In September 2025, Zodia Markets joined the Fireblocks Network for Payments, enhancing its stablecoin payments orchestration capabilities.

• Finery Markets: The partnership with Finery Markets, announced in April 2025, aims to provide institutions with seamless access to digital asset and fiat liquidity.

• Hidden Road: By joining Hidden Road's network in March 2025, Zodia Markets expanded its institutional digital asset liquidity and enabled Euro stablecoin trading.

Operational Insights

Zodia Markets operates within a tightly regulated environment, balancing innovation with compliance. The firm's integration of banking standards ensures enhanced security and transparency for institutional clients. Its technological infrastructure supports high-volume transactions and real-time settlements, critical for meeting the demands of global institutional investors.

The company's focus on stablecoin integration positions it strategically to address inefficiencies in traditional cross-border payments, particularly in emerging markets. By leveraging advanced trading platforms and compliance frameworks, Zodia Markets delivers a comprehensive solution tailored to the evolving needs of the digital asset ecosystem.