Press Release - Zodia Markets

January 18, 2023January 19, 2023

Zodia Markets appoints Paul Howard as Head of Sales

Zodia Markets, the Standard Chartered backed digital asset exchange and brokerage announces that it has appointed Paul Howard as Head of Sales. In this role, Paul will be responsible for developing and deepening relationships among Zodia Markets’ target of institutional clients. Paul will report directly into Michael Walsh, CEO Ireland and Head of Distribution.

Paul has over fifteen years’ institutional experience in algorithmic sales and trading at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs in Asia and Europe. He joins from digital asset lender BlockFi International where he led the institutional sales team in Asia to develop relationships across both crypto and traditional finance clients.

Paul commented: “I am very pleased to be joining what is a truly innovative and experienced team at Zodia Markets at such an exciting period for the company. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear in the new role and in helping establish Zodia Markets as the most trusted institutional trading partner for digital assets.”

Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets, said: “We’re delighted to have Paul join our growing team as we look to capitalise on the opportunities being presented amidst an uncertain market backdrop, as clients seek to trade with stable and well-governed businesses such as Zodia Markets. Paul’s extensive experience in trading and sales, combined with his knowledge of digital assets, will bring great value to the business.”

October 20, 2022January 23, 2023

Zodia Markets signs Armed Forces Covenant

Zodia Markets is proud to announce its signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to treat fairly those who serve, or have served in the military, and their families, and emphasising the company’s dedication to fulfilling its social responsibilities. The agreement formalises the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and recognises the contribution to the country that serving military personal, veterans and their families have made and continue to make.

Through signing the Covenant, Zodia Markets publicly pledges to promote the skills and experience of its Veteran and Reservist employees and to provide flexibility in requirements relating to Service.

Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets, says: “We are proud that Zodia Markets has signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Zodia Markets is an inclusive employer: we want to show our support to our employees who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families. We see signing the Armed Forces Covenant as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that our veterans and reserves bring to the workplace and the value their skills and experiences bring to the company.”

Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force, said: “I am delighted to welcome Zodia Markets to join the growing ranks of 8,500 plus employers who have now signed the Armed Forces Covenant.”

July 28, 2022January 23, 2023

Standard Chartered-Backed Zodia Markets Receives FCA Crypto Registration

Zodia Markets, a UK-based cryptoasset exchange and brokerage for institutional clients backed by Standard Chartered, today announced that it has received cryptoasset registration from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and officially launched its institutional crypto exchange and brokerage business.

Zodia Markets’ registration marks the first time a crypto trading business backed by a leading international bank has been listed by the FCA on the UK’s Financial Services Register.

Zodia Markets CEO, Usman Ahmad said: “Whilst the digital asset markets have recently seen volatility and downward pressure, adoption continues unabated, with institutions entering the market at rapid pace. At Zodia Markets, our mission is to be the most trusted trading partner for institutional participants as they navigate this rapidly evolving asset class.” “With our hugely experienced team of professionals from both digital asset and traditional finance backgrounds, and by providing the highest standards of security, risk and compliance integrated from inception, we meet the demands of institutions seeking a credible and reliable trading partner for cryptoassets. The FCA registration is a testament to our commitment to the highest standards of compliance.” Zodia Markets was established in June 2021 as a partnership between SC Ventures, the innovation, fintech investment and ventures arm of Standard Chartered, and BC Technology Group (stock code: 863 HK), Asia’s leading digital asset company and parent of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)-licensed digital-asset platform, OSL.

Head of SC Ventures, Alex Manson said: “Combining OSL’s deep expertise in operating regulatory compliant digital asset businesses and cutting-edge technology, with the bank’s governance, regulatory oversight, and frontier markets experience, Zodia Markets is in prime position to provide secure, reliable and compliant access to digital assets for its institutional client base.”

Zodia Markets’ exchange platform allows clients to connect to a high-throughput, low-latency matching engine through FIX API connectivity, leveraging the same standards as electronic trading for traditional equities, FX or fixed income. Zodia Markets’ brokerage provides a bespoke institutional-level service through its deep bench of experienced traders, operations staff and through its industry-leading products, including the electronic intelligent request for quote (iRFQ) capability. Zodia Markets partners with high-quality third-party custodians, including Standard Chartered-backed Zodia Custody, to support its trading activities, providing clearly segregated responsibilities.