The landscape of digital assets is evolving at a rapid pace, and the demand for secure custody solutions has never been more crucial. As the cryptocurrency market expands, institutional investors and banks are prioritizing trusted platforms that can manage tokenization, compliance, and security with precision. During the busy Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), Julian Sawyer, CEO of Zodia Custody, shared key insights into how his firm is meeting these needs.
Zodia Custody, backed by SE Ventures, is a digital asset custody platform that recently expanded into the Asia Pacific region with a new office in Sydney. The firm is dedicated to delivering institutional-grade custody solutions that support the successful execution of digital asset strategies as they move from experimentation to real-world adoption. Sawyer stressed the foundational importance of custody in the digital asset ecosystem, noting that if custody is built correctly, every other component of the system can follow.
Addressing security and regulatory compliance, Sawyer explained that Zodia Custody operates under strict regulations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This multi-regional oversight enables the company to serve as a trusted third-party custodian while upholding the highest security standards. Zodia also provides proprietary software as a service, giving large financial institutions additional control over their digital assets through advanced backend technology.
Tokenization continues to capture attention in 2025, especially among banks and asset managers. However, Sawyer acknowledged that progress is not without obstacles. Regulatory inconsistencies and the lack of unified industry standards remain major challenges. As a key player in this early phase of development, Zodia Custody is working closely with partners and regulators to build long-term solutions that support sustainable and scalable tokenization practices.
At ADFW, Sawyer participated in panels on next-generation custody solutions and the expanding role of stablecoins. He noted the emergence of new stablecoin issuers, including banks and central banks. These new entrants suggest broader applications for stablecoins, potentially extending to trade finance and remittance processing rather than remaining confined to cryptocurrency exchange activity.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sawyer expects a major shift in institutional engagement with digital assets. The move from early adoption to mainstream acceptance is already gaining momentum, especially with BlackRock’s recent ETF launch. Regulatory progress, particularly in hubs like Abu Dhabi, is creating fertile ground for innovation. Sawyer believes that real-world problem solving through blockchain, tokenization, digital currencies, and sustainable finance will shape the next stage of market maturity.
As firms like Zodia Custody advance the technological and regulatory frameworks needed for secure digital asset management, they are paving the way for institutions to engage confidently in this fast-changing environment. The combination of robust compliance practices and innovative technology is essential to overcoming the unique challenges within the digital asset space. As we approach 2026, collaboration will be central to helping financial institutions adopt sustainable investment strategies that incorporate digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins, into their broader financial architecture.