Zodia Custody CEO Julian Sawyer Steps Down to Become Strategic Adviser

Zodia Custody CEO Steps Down from Role

Julian Sawyer is stepping down as CEO of Zodia Custody, an institutional crypto custodian that provides regulated safekeeping and wallet services. He will move into a strategic-adviser position instead.

Key Leadership Changes Announced

• Sawyer was previously set to become CEO of Zodia Solutions after Standard Chartered completed its acquisition of Zodia Custody's custody business.
• The acquisition was expected to close by end of August but remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
• Sawyer told employees that the pending deal and the creation of Zodia Solutions offered a natural point to hand over day-to-day leadership.

What Sawyer Told Employees

In a memo on September 10, Sawyer stated that this is the right moment to hand over leadership while staying closely involved. A Zodia Custody spokesperson confirmed the move.

Background on the Standard Chartered Deal

Standard Chartered announced in May that it would acquire Zodia Custody's custody business. The transaction involves absorbing Zodia's regulated custody activities into the bank's Financing and Securities Services division, while its infrastructure platform becomes Zodia Solutions under SC Ventures. Financial details were not disclosed.

Confirmed Facts About the Transition

Richard Clark, Zodia Custody's chief revenue officer, will lead the business through its transition into Standard Chartered. Executives Craig Perrin and Anoosh Arevshatian will lead the development of Zodia Solutions. Sawyer will work with the leadership team to support an orderly transition.

Acquisition Closure Remains Uncertain

Although Sawyer expected the acquisition to be completed by end of August, that deadline has passed. Neither Standard Chartered nor Zodia has publicly confirmed that the transaction has closed. The deal is still pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Why This Matters for Crypto Custody

Zodia Custody serves financial institutions and asset managers with digital-asset custody, staking, and off-exchange settlement. This leadership change occurs as Standard Chartered integrates the custody business, which could affect how institutions access these services.

Sources

• CoinDesk