Zodia Markets Secures $18.25M for Global Expansion and Stablecoin Innovation

Zodia Markets, a cryptocurrency trading firm majority-owned by Standard Chartered, has raised $18.25 million in a Series A funding round led by Pharsalus Capital. The capital will drive international expansion and enhance stablecoin payment solutions, targeting institutional clients seeking seamless cross-border settlements.

"Institutional capital shouldn’t have to wait for banking hours or be held back by manual workarounds," said CEO Usman Ahmad, emphasizing the firm's focus on 24/7 digital asset trading and real-time stablecoin settlements. Stablecoins, pegged to fiat currencies, offer price stability amid crypto volatility, making them pivotal for institutional adoption.

Regulatory frameworks in key markets like the U.S. and Hong Kong are increasingly shaping stablecoin usage. The funding round included participation from Circle Ventures, The Operating Group, and XVC Tech, signaling growing confidence in institutional crypto infrastructure.