Dublin – Wednesday, 3rd August 2022 – Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited has been added to the Central Bank of Ireland’s Virtual Asset Service Provider Register, becoming the first dedicated cryptoasset custodian to be registered to provide commercial services to clients in Ireland.
Zodia Custody, an institutional cryptoasset servicing company headquartered in London, established its Irish subsidiary in August 2021. Zodia Custody, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank and with investment from Northern Trust, satisfies institutional investors’ need for a cryptoasset servicing provider that meets institutional standards and expectations.
Zodia Custody Ireland’s registration with the CBI means that the company will be subject to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended), demonstrating its commitment to high standards of compliance. Cryptoassets were brought within the scope of the Act in April 2021 and registration is now mandatory for all firms providing cryptoasset services in Ireland. Following the European Union’s agreement on MiCAR in June 2022, Zodia Custody Ireland’s registration will mean the company is well positioned to service clients across the EU when this regulatory regime comes into force.
This expansion comes in the wake of news that Zodia Custody has become one of the first cryptoasset custodians to achieve ISO 27001 certification and to have completed a SOC1 Type 1 report. As a subsidiary of a tier-one banking group, Zodia Custody continues to strengthen its credentials to satisfy the ever-evolving need of institutional investors.
Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Seán Fleming TD, said “I would like to congratulate Zodia Custody for registering as a Virtual Asset Service Provider. The move is highly significant for Ireland, as the Government seeks to focus on innovation in the financial services sector as a key provider of growth in the economy. Blockchain technology is one of the great disruptors for payments and capital markets. Ireland can grasp this opportunity with our strong track record for building globally recognised payment companies and innovative financial services businesses. I wish Zodia Custody every continued success for the future.”
John Cronin, Chief Executive Officer of Zodia Custody Ireland said “There’s been a lot of activity surrounding cryptoassets in Ireland recently, with the CBI’s approval of a Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Fund to invest in cryptoassets, the Irish Funds Industry Association publishing a paper on cryptoassets and several firms establishing a presence here to build out the ecosystem. We aim to play our part by providing institutions with a safe and secure solution for investing in cryptoassets.
We are in the process of obtaining similar registrations in jurisdictions across Europe, ensuring we are well-positioned for MiCAR.”
Kieran Donoghue, Global Head of Strategy, Public Policy and International Financial Services, IDA Ireland, said “Zodia Custody’s decision to establish its EU crypto custodian business in Ireland and to secure registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) is a significant development in an emerging and rapidly growing sector of the financial services industry. This investment will act as a strong reference case in seeking to further develop the nascent crypto custody sector. We are grateful for Zodia’s commitment to Ireland and the leading-edge capabilities it will bring to the industry here across governance, custody, and compliance. I wish John and his team every success”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About Zodia Custody
Zodia Custody, a subsidiary of Standard Chartered and in association with Northern Trust, is a cryptoasset servicing provider for institutional investors around the globe. Through the combination of leading technology, custody, governance and compliance, Zodia Custody satisfies the complex needs of institutional investors.
The company is AMLD5 compliant and applies the same standards as Standard Chartered relating to AML, FCC, and KYC. It is also FATF Travel Rule-compliant.
Zodia Custody Limited is registered with the FCA as a cryptoasset business under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017.
Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland as a VASP under Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended).
Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited was established in Ireland in August 2021 and its office is located at Fitzwilliam St Upper, Dublin 2.
Website: https://www.zodia.io/index.html
For media enquiries please contact:
Alexandra Santos, Associate Partner, Yellow Jersey PR
Christopher Flame, Account Director, Yellow Jersey PR
Zodiacustody@yellowjerseypr.com
