Citigroup to Launch Institutional Bitcoin Custody, Expanding Digital Asset Integration

Citigroup (NYSE: C) is preparing to launch institutional bitcoin custody services later this year, marking a significant step in the bank’s broader strategy to integrate digital assets into its traditional financial infrastructure. The initiative reflects rising institutional demand for secure, regulated exposure to bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies within established banking frameworks.

Speaking at the World Strategy 2026 forum, Nisha Surendran, head of Citi’s digital asset custody product development, said the bank’s goal is to “make bitcoin bankable.” Citi plans to deliver institutional-grade key management and wallet infrastructure while embedding bitcoin into the same custody, reporting, and control systems used for equities, bonds, and other traditional assets.

Under the new model, clients will access crypto, securities, and cash through a single service platform. Bitcoin holdings will be included in standard reporting channels and tax workflows, eliminating the need for separate crypto-specific processes. Clients will be able to initiate transactions through SWIFT, APIs, or Citi’s user interfaces, while the bank manages clearing, settlement, and compliance complexities behind the scenes.

Citi’s move is driven largely by client feedback. Institutional investors prefer bitcoin exposure without handling private keys, digital wallets, or one-time addresses. The bank also plans to enable cross-margining between crypto and traditional assets, allowing bitcoin, U.S. Treasuries, foreign bonds, and tokenized money market funds to sit within one master custody account.

The push aligns with broader trends across Wall Street. Morgan Stanley is expanding crypto exchange-traded products and spot trading, while major exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq are developing extended-hour or 24/7 trading models. Citi has already launched Citi Token Services for cash, a blockchain-based network operating around the clock, supporting the growing demand for 24/7 digital asset markets.

As institutional adoption accelerates, Citigroup’s bitcoin custody launch positions the bank at the forefront of digital asset integration within global finance.