Citi to Launch Crypto Custody Services in 2026 Amid Expanding Digital Asset Push

Citigroup (C) is preparing to enter the crypto custody market by 2026, aiming to provide institutional clients with a regulated way to store digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. According to a CNBC report, the global banking giant has been developing the service for the past two to three years as part of its broader digital asset strategy.

Biswarup Chatterjee, Citi’s global head of partnerships and innovation for services, revealed that the bank’s crypto custody solution is in advanced stages. “We have various kinds of explorations,” he told CNBC. “We’re hoping that in the next few quarters, we can come to market with a credible custody solution that we can offer to our asset managers and other clients.” This initiative underscores Citi’s intent to build essential crypto infrastructure for traditional investors seeking secure and compliant exposure to digital assets.

The bank plans to use a hybrid approach, combining in-house development with third-party partnerships. “We may have certain solutions that are completely designed and built in-house, whereas we may use a third-party, lightweight, nimble solution for other kinds of assets,” Chatterjee said, emphasizing that no options are being ruled out.

Citi’s move into crypto custody aligns with its expanding blockchain initiatives. During its second-quarter earnings call, CEO Jane Fraser noted that Citi is exploring a potential stablecoin issuance while focusing on tokenized deposits. Recently, Citi Ventures joined Visa in investing in BVNK, a stablecoin payments startup, signaling deeper engagement in blockchain-based finance and cross-border payment solutions.

If launched, Citi’s custody service would place the bank among a small but growing group of major financial institutions bridging traditional finance and crypto infrastructure — a critical step toward mainstream institutional adoption of digital assets.