Zodia Custody, a leading institution-first digital asset platform backed by Standard
Chartered, Northern Trust, SBI Holdings, National Australia Bank (NAB), and Emirates
NBD, has released a paper in joint partnership with Abu Dhabi’s international finance
centre, ADGM Academy Research Centre and ADGM, exploring the future of digital asset
custody regulation. The release is provided solely for informational and educational
purposes and should not be construed as legal, regulatory or investment advice, or
solicitation for business.
As the global digital asset community converges on Dubai for TOKEN2049 this week, the
paper focuses on the progressive regulatory stance championed by the ADGM and the
wider MEA region. Co-authored by Zane Suran, MD of Commercial MEA, Dominic
Longman, MD MEA at Zodia Custody, and Dmitry Fedotov, Head of DLT Foundations at
ADGM, this joint paper outlines the qualities of ADGM’s regulatory approach that make it
fit-for-purpose for Web3. These include:
● Tailored Structure – Utilising a tailored approach to legislation to offer Web3
organisations, DAO’s and Blockchain foundations a tailored, transparent and
predictable rulebook.
● Recognition – Clear recognition and custom regulatory frameworks for
decentralised governance mechanisms, ensuring a balance between decentralised
operation and accountability.
● Accountability – The importance of shielding developers and token holders from
personal liability for a Web3 foundation’s actions/obligations, by giving Web3
foundations a distinct legal personality.
What does this mean for the future of crypto custody?
● Necessity – Compliant custody of assets is a requirement for the Trad-Fi space,
and the same must apply to the Web3 space if we are to see the industry grow.
● Trust – Custodians are likely to play a significant role in assisting Web3
organisations achieve greater trust with regulators, as compliant-custody of their
assets is intrinsically linked to their business model.
“The ADGM has long pioneered the advancement of digital assets infrastructure”, said
Zane Suren, MD of Commercial, MEA at Zodia Custody. “As a digital asset custodian
trusted by major financial institutions across global markets, we recognise that robust
and clear regulation is a top priority for market participants. We hope this paper
demonstrates a joint commitment by Zodia Custody, ADGM Academy and the ADGM to
help educate the sector and reinforce the importance of adopting a clear, consistent,
and compliance-first approach.”
“Successfully navigating the Web3 landscape requires a clear understanding of both
innovative technology and enabling regulation,” said Dmitry Fedotov, Head of DLT
Foundations at ADGM. “In this collaborative report with Zodia Custody, we bridge these
worlds, offering practical guidance on secure custody alongside insights into pioneering
frameworks designed for DAOs and DLT Foundations”
The full paper titled “Securing the Future: Custody Best Practices for Web3, DAOs and
Blockchain Foundations” is available for review here. Could you please refrain from
publishing or sharing this link.
About Zodia Custody
Zodia Custody is a leading institution-first digital asset custodian backed by Standard
Chartered in association with Northern Trust, SBI Holdings, National Australia Bank and
Emirates NBD. It enables institutional investors to navigate the digital asset future – simply,
safely and without compromise. Through the combination of leading technology, custody,
governance and compliance, Zodia Custody satisfies the complex needs of institutional
investors.
Please note, Zodia Custody is not licensed or authorized by the ADGM FSRA to conduct
regulated activities in the ADGM. The views and information presented herein are general
in nature and intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be
construed as legal, regulatory or investment advice.
About ADGM Academy:
The ADGM Academy Research Centre brings together an ecosystem of academics,
financial industry practitioners, government and technology experts to unlock the shared
potential to improve the financial environment in MENA and beyond. The financial industry
continues to transform at a rapid pace with new technologies, disruptors, threats and
opportunities appearing all the time. Independent research is crucial to be able to
understand and utilise this transformation for the benefit of your business, your
customers and society in general. The Research Centre provides that understanding
through insights developed in collaboration with the academic community.
About ADGM:
ADGM is an international financial centre that brings unique value to the emerging
economy of Abu Dhabi and the broader region. Established in 2015, ADGM has
significantly enhanced Abu Dhabi’s stature as a leading financial centre and business hub,
bolstering its role as a key player in the Falcon Economy. It serves as a vital strategic link
between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and global
markets.
Media Contact:
Matt Ringshaw
Executive, Wachsman
[email protected]
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