Standard Chartered signs definitive agreements to acquire Zodia Custody — 2026-10-21

## Short Segments MoonPay and Dunamu are teaming up to explore stablecoin payments and expand the GIWA blockchain. This collaboration could reshape global payment systems and corporate treasury management. MoonPay, a crypto payments company, and Dunamu, the parent of Upbit, are exploring new business opportunities in stablecoin-based global payments and fund transfers. Their partnership aims to integrate MoonPay's global network with Dunamu's Ethereum Layer 2, GIWA chain, to support international expansion. This move highlights the growing interest in stablecoins as a tool for global finance, potentially offering more efficient and cost-effective solutions for cross-border transactions. As these companies work together, they could pave the way for broader adoption of stablecoins in corporate finance, impacting how businesses manage their financial operations worldwide. The OCC has released its final rule for the GENIUS Act, setting new standards for stablecoin issuance in the U.S. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has published the final rule implementing the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, effective January 18. This rule drops a proposed presumption on third-party rewards arrangements, focusing instead on the regulatory framework for stablecoin issuance. The GENIUS Act aims to position the U.S. as a leader in the crypto space by providing a clear regulatory path for stablecoins, which are increasingly used in digital transactions. For issuers and financial institutions, this means navigating a more defined regulatory landscape, potentially encouraging innovation while ensuring compliance with federal standards. Six blockchain networks urge the SEC to codify the digital commodity definition into binding rule text. Stellar, Hedera, Aptos, Ava Labs, Cardano, and Chainlink have jointly requested the SEC to formalize its digital commodity framework within the proposed Regulation Crypto Assets rule. This coalition seeks regulatory certainty by having the SEC explicitly define "Digital Commodity" and its non-security status in the rule's operative text. The timing of this request is crucial, as it was submitted during the open comment period for the SEC's proposed regulations. For developers and blockchain organizations, a clear definition could provide the stability needed for long-term planning and innovation, potentially influencing how digital assets are classified and regulated in the future. ## Feature Story Standard Chartered is set to acquire Zodia Custody, marking a significant move in the digital asset custody space. The bank has signed definitive agreements to acquire 100% of Zodia Custody Limited, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. Zodia Custody, backed by SC Ventures, operates regulated entities in key financial hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg. This acquisition aligns with Standard Chartered's strategy to expand its digital asset services, integrating Zodia's regulated custody activities into its existing infrastructure. For the digital asset market, this move could enhance institutional trust and adoption, as a major traditional bank steps further into the crypto custody arena. By acquiring Zodia, Standard Chartered aims to offer more comprehensive services to its clients, potentially setting a precedent for other financial institutions to follow. As regulatory approvals are awaited, the industry will be watching closely to see how this acquisition impacts the competitive landscape of digital asset custody. With traditional banks increasingly entering the crypto space, the lines between conventional finance and digital assets continue to blur, signaling a shift towards more integrated financial ecosystems.