Zodia Custody, an institution-first digital asset custodian, will provide custody support for AUDM, an Australian dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Macropod.
The move makes Zodia the first global custodian to support the asset, signaling a significant step in the maturation of Australia’s digital asset ecosystem. The partnership enables institutional clients to access AUDM within Zodia’s cold-storage infrastructure, ensuring the asset meets rigorous security and regulatory standards required for large-scale adoption.
Unlocking institutional access
AUDM is issued by Macropod, which holds the distinction of being Australia’s first licensed stablecoin issuer. The stablecoin is designed as a programmable settlement asset capable of powering tokenised payments, on-chain financial instruments, and cross-border transactions.
By integrating AUDM, Zodia Custody aims to provide institutions with the infrastructure necessary to participate in programmable finance. This includes enabling real-time settlement and capital-efficient treasury operations.
Ryan Hodges, managing director, Australia at Zodia Custody, commented: “Our clients demand secure access to the most significant innovations in digital assets, and our support for AUDM delivers directly on that promise. By becoming the first custodian to support Australia’s first regulated stablecoin, we are providing institutions with the infrastructure they need to confidently participate in the evolution of programmable finance.”
A pivotal year for stablecoins
The announcement describes 2025 as a “pivotal year” for stablecoins in the region. Macropod recently secured an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) and announced its first exchange listing on Independent Reserve following its participation in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) Project Acacia.
Drew Bradford, CEO of Macropod/Catena Digital, highlighted this connection: “We’re pleased to see AUDM supported by Zodia Custody, following the successful development of use cases through the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Project Acacia. This integration reinforces the importance of institutional-grade custody especially as stablecoins move into mainstream financial infrastructure.”
Zodia Custody is backed by major financial institutions including Standard Chartered, Northern Trust, SBI Holdings, National Australia Bank, and Emirates NBD. The custodian is registered with multiple global regulators, including the UK’s FCA and Ireland’s Central Bank, positioning it as a compliant gateway for traditional finance to enter the digital asset space.