Gemini Custody vs Zodia Custody — Head-to-Head Custody Comparison

An independent, data-driven comparison of Gemini Custody and Zodia Custody across security, insurance, fees, regulatory compliance, and more.

Verdict

Quick Verdict

Gemini Custody scores 7.7 vs Zodia Custody's 7.2. Gemini Custody leads in 5 of 8 categories.

Gemini Custody is better suited for Institutions, Funds, Family offices. Zodia Custody is better suited for Banks, Asset managers, Institutions.

7.7

GoodCustody Score

Gemini Custody

7.2

GoodCustody Score

Zodia Custody

Scores

Score Comparison

Weighted scores across all 8 custody criteria.

Criterion	Weight	Gemini Custody	Zodia Custody	Winner
Security	20%	8.5	8.5	Tie
Insurance	15%	7.0	7.5	Zodia Custody
Regulatory	15%	9.0	8.5	Gemini Custody
Fee Transparency	10%	7.5	5.0	Gemini Custody
Track Record	15%	7.0	6.5	Gemini Custody
Withdrawal Flexibility	10%	7.5	7.0	Gemini Custody
Reporting & Audit	10%	9.0	8.0	Gemini Custody
Counterparty Diversification	5%	2.0	3.0	Zodia Custody
Overall Score	100%	7.7	7.2	Gemini Custody

Visual

Score Radar

Visual overlay of Gemini Custody and Zodia Custody across all categories.

Gemini CustodyZodia Custody

Deep Dive

Category-by-Category Analysis

A deeper look at how each provider performs in every scoring criterion.

Security (8.5 vs 8.5)

Gemini Custody uses HSM-based cold storage key management with Majority cold in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 1 Type 2 + SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: Gemini Earn program issues in 2022 (separate from custody). No custody-specific incidents..

Zodia Custody uses Institutional cold storage key management with Majority cold in cold storage and regular penetration testing. Compliance: SOC 2 Type 2. Incident history: No incidents.

Insurance (7.0 vs 7.5)

Gemini Custody offers Insurance on all crypto stored in hot wallet. Cold storage coverage varies. via Top insurance providers. Gemini is one of few exchanges offering insurance on online assets. Cold storage insurance details available to institutional clients.

Zodia Custody offers Institutional coverage via parent companies via Via Standard Chartered/Northern Trust. Backed by two of the world's largest financial institutions.

Regulatory (9.0 vs 8.5)

Gemini Custody holds New York Trust Charter, SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2 and is a qualified custodian operating in United States. New York State Department of Financial Services regulated trust company. First crypto exchange to achieve both SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2.

Zodia Custody holds FCA registered (UK) and is not a qualified custodian operating in United Kingdom / Global. FCA registered. Backed by Standard Chartered and Northern Trust.

Fee Transparency (7.5 vs 5.0)

Gemini Custody charges 0.40% AUM annually (40bps) — tiered in annual custody fees with Varies by volume per transaction. Lower than Coinbase Custody's 50bps for comparable service.

Zodia Custody charges Custom in annual custody fees with Custom per transaction. Backed by Standard Chartered and Northern Trust.

Track Record (7.0 vs 6.5)

Gemini Custody was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in New York, NY. AUM: Not publicly disclosed. Incident history: Gemini Earn program issues in 2022 (separate from custody). No custody-specific incidents..

Zodia Custody was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in London, UK. AUM: Not publicly disclosed. Incident history: No incidents.

Withdrawal Flexibility (7.5 vs 7.0)

Gemini Custody withdrawal fees: Network fees. Minimum account: Contact for pricing. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, 70+ assets.

Zodia Custody withdrawal fees: Network fees. Minimum account: Institutional only. Supported assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Multiple digital assets.

Reporting & Audit (9.0 vs 8.0)

Gemini Custody: SOC compliance is SOC 1 Type 2 + SOC 2 Type 2. As a qualified custodian, it meets SEC reporting requirements.

Zodia Custody: SOC compliance is SOC 2 Type 2. Not classified as a qualified custodian.

Counterparty Diversification (2.0 vs 3.0)

Gemini Custody is a qualified custodian provider. Key management: Proprietary cold storage system with HSMs and multi-layer security protocols..

Zodia Custody is a qualified custodian provider. Key management: Institutional custody backed by Standard Chartered and Northern Trust..

Fees

Fee Comparison

Side-by-side fee breakdown for Gemini Custody and Zodia Custody.

Fee Type	Gemini Custody	Zodia Custody
Setup Fee	Contact for pricing	Custom
Annual Custody	0.40% AUM annually (40bps) — tiered	Custom
Transaction	Varies by volume	Custom
Withdrawal	Network fees	Network fees

Gemini Custody: Lower than Coinbase Custody's 50bps for comparable service.

Zodia Custody: Backed by Standard Chartered and Northern Trust.

Features

Feature Comparison

Checklist of features across both providers.

Feature	Gemini Custody	Zodia Custody
70+ asset support	✓	✗
Available in all 50 US states	✓	✗
Cold storage custody	✓	✗
DeFi access	✗	✓
FCA registered	✗	✓
Hardware security key support (WebAuthn)	✓	✗
Institutional-grade security	✗	✓
Integration with Gemini exchange	✓	✗
Northern Trust partnership	✗	✓
SOC 1 & SOC 2 Type 2 certified	✓	✗
Staking services	✗	✓
Standard Chartered backed	✗	✓

Recommendation

Who Should Choose Which?

Gemini Custody is better if you…

✓Are a institutions
✓Are a funds
✓Are a family offices
✓Are a fiduciaries
✓Want: First crypto exchange to achieve SOC 1 + SOC 2 Type 2
✓Want: Competitive custody fee at 40bps
✓Want: Available in all 50 US states

Zodia Custody is better if you…

✓Are a banks
✓Are a asset managers
✓Are a institutions
✓Are a family offices
✓Want: Backed by Standard Chartered — tier-1 bank pedigree
✓Want: Northern Trust partnership
✓Want: FCA registered

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gemini Custody or Zodia Custody better for Bitcoin custody?

Gemini Custody scores 7.7 vs 7.2 in our weighted Custody Score. Gemini Custody leads in 5 of 8 scoring categories. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Gemini Custody is best for Institutions and Funds, while Zodia Custody suits Banks and Asset managers.

What is the difference between Gemini Custody and Zodia Custody?

Gemini Custody is a qualified custodian provider, while Zodia Custody is a qualified custodian provider. Gemini Custody excels in Regulatory, whereas Zodia Custody is strongest in Security.

How do Gemini Custody and Zodia Custody fees compare?

Gemini Custody charges 0.40% AUM annually (40bps) — tiered annual custody fees with Varies by volume transaction fees. Zodia Custody charges Custom annual custody fees with Custom transaction fees.

Which is more secure, Gemini Custody or Zodia Custody?

Gemini Custody scores 8.5/10 for security while Zodia Custody scores 8.5/10. Gemini Custody uses HSM-based cold storage key management, and Zodia Custody uses Institutional cold storage.