Zodia Markets Secures $18.25M to Expand Global Operations, Strengthen Stablecoin Business

Zodia Markets, the crypto affiliate of Standard Chartered, has raised $18.25 million in Series A funding to accelerate global expansion and bolster stablecoin operations. The round was led by Pharsalus Capital and Tokenbay Capital, with significant contributions from Circle Ventures, underscoring a strategic focus on stablecoins like USDC [1][2]. The capital will fund infrastructure upgrades, cross-border payment solutions, and the expansion of Zodia’s non-custodial trading platform, which allows users to retain control of their assets. The firm aims to bridge traditional finance and decentralized systems, leveraging its institutional-grade infrastructure to attract greater participation in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) markets [3].

The funding reflects growing institutional confidence in stablecoin ecosystems, which are increasingly seen as critical for global digital asset adoption. Zodia’s non-custodial model addresses regulatory and security challenges in traditional trading environments, particularly in emerging markets where stablecoin demand is surging due to inflation and limited banking access [1]. Circle’s involvement in the round highlights the sector’s potential to facilitate low-cost, seamless transactions, aligning with broader trends of volatility mitigation and financial inclusion.

Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets, emphasized the funding’s role in strengthening infrastructure for institutional crypto adoption. “This round reinforces our commitment to secure and scalable solutions,” he stated, echoing historical patterns where similar fundraising has driven infrastructure improvements and client adoption [1]. The firm’s roadmap includes launching new stablecoin products and integrating with global payment networks to enable real-time transactions. While specific metrics like user base or transaction volume remain undisclosed, the scale of the investment signals strong institutional backing [2].

Analysts view Zodia’s hybrid model—combining traditional banking infrastructure with blockchain technology—as a competitive edge in a fragmented market. The firm’s partnerships with legacy institutions like Standard Chartered and venture capital firms suggest a hybrid client base, blending institutional and retail demand. However, challenges remain, including navigating uneven regulatory frameworks for stablecoin reserves and compliance. The firm’s focus on cross-border payments and financial inclusion positions it to capitalize on emerging market growth, though it faces competition from established stablecoin issuers and fintech platforms [3].

The $18.25 million raise aligns with broader crypto fundraising trends, where scalability and user-friendly solutions are prioritized. Zodia’s non-custodial approach differentiates it from custodial exchanges, which have faced security vulnerabilities. By emphasizing stablecoin applications, the firm addresses business needs for stable value transfer in volatile markets. As the firm expands, its success will hinge on maintaining regulatory alignment while scaling infrastructure to meet institutional demand [1].

Source:

[1] [Zodia Markets Secures $18.25M to Expand Global Operations, Strengthen Stablecoin Business] (https://www.ainvest.com/news/zodia-markets-secures-18-25m-expand-global-operations-stablecoin-business-2507/)

[2] [Fundraising Digest (@CryptoRank_VCs) / X] (https://x.com/cryptorank_vcs?lang=en)

[3] [137Labs Global (@137LabsEN) / X] (https://x.com/137labsen)