Make-A-Wish UK received crypto donation from Parity Technologies

Zodia Markets and Zodia Custody facilitated the donation.

17 November 2023, London, United Kingdom – Make-A-Wish UK joined forces with Zodia Markets and Zodia Custody to co-host the distinguished ‘Crypto for Good’ event at Standard Chartered Bank on November 16th. The dynamic gathering brought together prominent institutions and charities to delve into the intricacies of ‘The Future of Finance: Crypto’s Role in Philanthropy’. The evening explored how digital assets can present viable solutions to real-world problems, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking services.

Crafting a digital asset blueprint that could transform the landscape of charitable giving amid technological evolution, Make-A-Wish UK has received a crypto donation from Parity Technologies, a leading contributor to the Polkadot network. This noteworthy milestone marks the initiation of a trial digital donation programme, orchestrated by Make-A-Wish UK, Zodia Markets and Zodia Custody, extending the organisation’s support for children diagnosed with a serious illness or life-limiting condition. The programme is open to both the general public and corporations.

“Our vision at Make-A-Wish UK is to grant the wish of every child with a critical illness. The primary obstacle to us achieving this vision is resources. We believe our close partnership with Zodia is an essential component in helping to generate these resources by connecting digital philanthropy with impactful outcomes” said Sarah Watson, Director of Finance & Technology at Make-A-Wish UK. “Donors can donate crypto currency safely and securely knowing that their preferred method of investing will enable magical wishes to be granted. Our hope is that our partnership will lead the way in this space by evidencing the potential for crypto to do good.”

Chrissy Hill, General Counsel at Parity Technologies, commented: “We’re delighted to play a role in this impactful initiative with Make-A-Wish UK, Zodia Markets and Zodia Custody to help showcase how blockchain technology enables vital funds to get to where they’re needed most in the world. In time, we expect to see more frictionless and transparent crypto-based donations by institutions and individuals benefiting charities on a global scale, and we are proud that our Polkadot community is supporting this innovative platform (and our partners) to help make that happen.”

Usman Ahmad, CEO of Zodia Markets, commented: “As the utilisation and adoption of digital assets continues to grow, there is a significant opportunity to establish additional donation streams for charitable causes. There are also huge potential benefits arising from the speed and efficiency of value transfer through digital assets, enabling more donations to make it to the people that need them. We are delighted to collaborate with like-minded, innovative partners who share our passion and commitment to driving positive change.”

The event also hosted a high-level discussion among industry experts from Parity Technologies, Crown Agents Bank, Make-A-Wish UK, and Zodia Custody. The discussion centered around how blockchain technology provides a framework for transparency, offering donors the ability to track and verify the impact of their contributions, as well as how crypto asset donations can form part of a company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“Our partnership with Make-A-Wish UK is truly a landmark moment for charitable fundraising,” said Anoosh Arevshatian, Chief Risk Officer, Zodia Custody. “It creates a new donation stream and shows the true potential of digital assets — not just as a tradable asset, but as something that can solve critical global issues. We’re thrilled to work closely together with Zodia Markets to make crypto donations simple, safe, and impactful.”

About Make-A-Wish UK

Every day, the lives of 10 families in the UK are changed forever when a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. From that moment, childhood takes a backseat to medical appointments and worry. A wish helps to restore that childhood and puts worry on the backseat. It provides an opportunity to choose something positive to look forward to and the chance to be a child first and a patient second.

Make-A-Wish UK is a registered charity that was established in the UK in 1986 to create life-changing wishes that revive the childhood that critical illness often takes away. The charity receives no Government funding – registered charity numbers: 295672 in England and Wales, SC037479 in Scotland.

About Parity Technologies

Parity Technologies Ltd is a software development company and collective of tech experts who are passionate about building an internet that belongs to everyone. Comprised of some of the world’s leading blockchain innovators, core engineers, Rust developers, and solutions architects, Parity has offices in Berlin, London, Lisbon, and Singapore. Working with the Web3 Foundation, Parity successfully completed the launch of Polkadot in 2021 and continues to be a leading contributor to the network.

About Zodia Markets

Zodia Markets is an institution-first digital asset marketplace whose mission is to make the unfamiliar, familiar. We are the trusted institutional trading partner for corporations and institutions who want to trade in digital assets, but who don’t want to compromise on the standards and principles associated with traditional finance. Zodia Markets is backed by SC Ventures, the innovation, and ventures unit of Standard Chartered, and OSL Group, Asia’s leading digital asset company.

About Zodia Custody

Zodia Custody is the leading institution-first digital asset custodian by Standard Chartered, in association with Northern Trust and SBI Holdings. It enables institutional investors around the globe to realise the full potential of 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.

Zodia Custody implements the requirements of the 5AMLD and applies the same standards as Standard Chartered relating to AML, FCC, and KYC. It implements the requirements of the FATF Travel Rule. Zodia Custody Limited is registered in the UK with the FCA as a crypto asset business under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited is registered with the Central Bank of Ireland as a VASP under Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 (as amended). Zodia Custody (Ireland) Limited was established in Ireland in August 2021. Zodia Custody Limited is registered with the CSSF in Luxembourg as a Virtual Asset Service Provider in accordance with article 7-1 (2) of the law dated 12 November 2004 on the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, as amended.

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