London, UK – 26th November, 2024 – Zodia Markets, the institution-first digital asset brokerage, enabled Cartwright Pension Trusts to make the UK’s first pension fund allocation into Bitcoin, marking a significant step in the institutional adoption of digital assets.

Following a rigorous due diligence process, Cartwright selected the Standard Chartered backed firm to buy £1.5 million worth of Bitcoin; this represented a 3% allocation of a £50 million fund. This reflects Cartwright’s strategic foresight and commitment to maximising their client’s assets under management.

The Bitcoin was purchased on 23rd October when the price opened at just under £52,000. Since then, it has broken records daily, increasing by over 40%, especially since the US election. As inflation and economic shifts challenge traditional investment models, Bitcoin offers a unique hedge for institutions looking to diversify and future-proof their portfolios over the long-term.

Usman Ahmad, Co-Founder and CEO of Zodia Markets, comments, “Being chosen for the country’s first pension fund bitcoin allocation is testament to our bank-backed heritage, reputation and commitment to the highest standards.

Pension funds need to be very cautious with their investment approach, making this a significant step and a clear demonstration of Cartwright’s confidence in Bitcoin and Zodia Markets to aid with diversified returns. As government and infrastructure support for digital assets grows globally, so too does interest from new market entrants. Institutions want to reap the rewards of the digital asset future without compromising on the standards and principles that have existed for decades so, we’re excited to be the primary choice for many first movers, like Cartwright, seeking innovation and portfolio diversification.”

A 2022 report by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) highlighted that 89% of pension fund trustees viewed them as too volatile for portfolio inclusion. However, the mood is now changing Sam Roberts, Director of Investment Consulting at Cartwright explains, “Trustees are increasingly looking for innovative solutions to future-proof their schemes in the face of economic challenges. The decision to invest directly in Bitcoin presents unique opportunities for diversification, but also gives us access to an asset class with a unique asymmetric risk-return profile. Zodia Markets have been instrumental in helping us take this bold step towards the future of pension fund investment.”

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For Zodia Markets media enquires, please contact:
Emma Critchley-Lloyd or Tony Kavanagh
Chief Marketing Officer, Zodia Markets

Emma.lloyd@zodiamarkets.com

tony.kavanagh@zodiamarkets.com

For Cartwright Pension Trusts media enquiries, please contact:

Kate Boyle, Owner & Client Director

kate@kbpr.agency

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About Zodia Markets

Zodia Markets is an institution-first digital asset brokerage 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 and parent of SFC-licensed digital asset platform OSL Digital Securities.

About Cartwright Pension Trusts

Our experience, people and pioneering spirit are what set us apart.

Cartwright has spent over 38 years honing their unique skillset to be the ace in the hole for trustees and sponsors of small to medium defined benefit and hybrid pension trusts – an often badly-catered-for market. They are proud to offer the level of service usually reserved for the big players; innovative, professional and totally bespoke. And, with direct access to a real person, an expert in their field. And, that same pioneering spirit remains as they branch into new markets; applying their unique know-how to sectors of a similar nature and with similar problems; Charitable Trusts, Corporate Treasury, Employee Rewards and Funeral Trusts.