The post Citi plans to launch its crypto custody service in 2026 after nearly three years of development appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Citigroup plans to launch its long-awaited crypto custody service in 2026, after spending nearly three years quietly building it. Biswarup Chatterjee, the bank’s global head of partnerships and innovation, said the project is moving forward as Wall Street deepens its involvement in crypto. “We have various kinds of explorations,” Chatterjee said, adding that Citi aims to deliver “a credible custody solution” for asset managers and institutional clients within the next few quarters. The project represents one of Citi’s biggest blockchain-related undertakings so far. Traditional banks had long kept their distance from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other tokens, but things have started to change under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has pushed for clearer digital asset regulations. The GENIUS Act, introduced earlier this year, created a friendlier environment for banks looking to handle stablecoins and other blockchain-based assets, encouraging players like Citi to move forward with crypto-linked services. Citi develops its custody system while weighing partnerships According to CNBC, Chatterjee confirmed that Citi’s upcoming platform will hold native cryptocurrencies on behalf of clients, rather than rely on external exchanges or third-party platforms. That’s a significant decision, given that crypto custody carries security risks including cyberattacks and theft. But Citi sees opportunity in its own heavily regulated structure, which already has decades of experience managing traditional asset custody for global clients. Chatterjee said the bank is testing multiple models for the service, some built in-house, others created through partnerships. “We may have certain solutions that are completely designed and built in-house that are targeted towards certain assets and certain segments of our clients,” he explained. “Whereas we may use a third-party, lightweight, nimble solution for other kind of assets.” He also made it clear that Citi is keeping its options open: “We’re not currently ruling out anything.” While Citi moves forward, not every…

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Filed under: News - @ October 13, 2025 8:33 pm