- Zodia offers trading and payment services that run nonstop and use stable digital tokens.
- It raised $18.25 million to reach more countries and build better tools for banks.
- Big names like Circle Ventures and Pharsalus Capital helped fund this global expansion.
Zodia Markets, a digital asset trading firm majority-owned by Standard Chartered, has secured $18.25 million in Series A funding. The round was led by New York-based Pharsalus Capital and joined by Circle Ventures, The Operating Group, XVC Tech, Token Bay Capital, Human Capital, and other investors. This funding will support Zodia’s global expansion and the enhancement of its stablecoin-based cross-border payment infrastructure.
Founded in 2021 by Usman Ahmad and Nick Philpott, Zodia Markets was launched with support from SC Ventures—Standard Chartered Bank’s innovation arm—and OSL Group, a leading digital asset platform in Asia. The firm targets financial institutions, combining traditional wholesale finance with round-the-clock digital asset trading and settlement.
According to CEO Usman Ahmad, Zodia is working to “reengineer traditional foreign exchange capital flows with real-time stablecoin settlement across borders.” He noted that institutional capital “shouldn’t have to wait for banking hours or be held back by manual workarounds.”
Stablecoin Infrastructure Built for Institutions
Zodia’s core offering revolves around enabling institutions to access digital assets without the common volatility associated with cryptocurrencies. The platform supports over 20 fiat currencies and more than 70 digital assets, including USD and non-USD stablecoins. These digital tokens, which are pegged to fiat currencies, allow firms to transact with predictable value retention.
The company’s services aim to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain networks by offering an always-on trading infrastructure. This allows financial institutions to move capital without depending on standard banking hours or traditional settlement timelines. Zodia’s hybrid model offers a regulated, scalable entry point into crypto markets for banks, funds, and corporates. Usman Ahmad said the raise represents more than capital. He stated it shows “the conviction of globally respected investors who recognize both the complexity of this market and the scale of what we’re building.”
Regulatory Alignment and Expansion Strategy
Zodia’s expansion plan is focused on regions with active regulatory regimes for stablecoins. Recent developments in the U.S. and Hong Kong have encouraged wider adoption of stablecoin frameworks, which align with Zodia’s infrastructure goals. The firm confirmed that it will operate in markets with regulatory clarity, particularly in parts of Europe and Southeast Asia.
The timing of the raise aligns with improved macroeconomic conditions and renewed investor confidence in crypto infrastructure. While specific countries were not named, the company is targeting jurisdictions where blockchain has already been integrated into existing financial ecosystems.
The funding will also accelerate the development of new institutional-grade products to support cross-border stablecoin payments. These additions will expand Zodia’s capability to offer payment orchestration tools and settlement solutions for global financial clients.
Related: Standard Chartered Becomes First Global Bank to Launch Spot Bitcoin & Ether Trading
Investor Interest and Market Momentum
Pharsalus Capital, a venture company specializing in fintech and digital infrastructure, was the lead of this round. One of the participating firms was Circle Ventures, the investment arm of USDC issuer Circle. This further proves Zodia’s globe-trotting into the stablecoin ecosystem.
The wave of investments can be a part of a larger trend in the industry, with the use of stablecoins by institutions to ensure liquidity and manage volatility in the field of cryptocurrencies. The further support of Standard Chartered indicates that the traditional banks are also getting more interested in blockchain-based financial services.
Ahmad added that the increase proves not only confidence in our model but also confidence in our potential to play a leadership role in transforming the marketplace and transforming wholesale capital movement.
