Citibank Targets 2026 Launch for Crypto Asset Custody Services
According to multiple industry reports, Citibank is finalizing development of a regulated custody service that will enable clients to securely store and manage native crypto assets. The offering, targeted at asset managers, hedge funds, and other institutional investors, aims to combine Citi’s reputation for financial security with next-generation blockchain infrastructure.
The move comes later than several years of groundwork within Citi’s digital assets division, which has focused on building compliance-ready, scalable custody technology. Sources suggest the system will include institutional wallet infrastructure, advanced Secret key management, and on-chain verification tools. Citi is developing much of the framework internally but may partner with specialized blockchain technology providers for certain operational components.
Industry experts say that establishing trusted crypto custody services is essential for the broader institutional adoption of digital assets. As more funds, family offices, and asset managers explore crypto exposure, reliable custodianship remains a top priority. Citi’s entry into the space could strengthen market confidence by bridging the gap between traditional finance and emerging blockchain systems.
Citi’s expanding digital asset ambitions
This custody initiative builds on Citibank’s broader digital asset roadmap, which includes ongoing work in tokenized deposits, distributed ledger-based settlement systems, and trade finance answers leveraging blockchain technology. The bank’s leadership has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to creating compliant, institutional-grade blockchain products that align with regulatory standards across major jurisdictions.
Citi joins a growing list of global banks developing or launching similar custody platforms. BNY Mellon, Standard Chartered, and Deutsche Bank have all introduced or piloted crypto custody services in recent years, reflecting increasing mainstream acceptance of blockchain as a financial infrastructure layer. By targeting a 2026 launch, Citi appears to be timing its entry to coincide with expected improvements in U.S. and global crypto regulation, particularly around stablecoins, digital securities, and asset tokenization.
The bank has not yet confirmed which digital assets will be supported at launch. However, analysts predict the initial offering will focus on leading cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH, with potential expansion to tokenized securities and stablecoins as the market matures. The move could also position Citi to serve institutional demand for diversified exposure to tokenized assets within regulated environments.
Strategic implications for the crypto industry
Citibank’s planned entry into crypto custody underscores how major financial institutions are reshaping their strategies to adapt to a tokenized economy. By leveraging its global scale, regulatory experience, and existing relationships with institutional clients, Citi is well-positioned to compete in a space that demands both technological sophistication and trust.
If executed successfully, Citi’s crypto custody platform could set new industry standards for security, compliance, and accessibility, reinforcing the integration of blockchain within traditional banking. As the 2026 launch approaches, the initiative represents a pivotal development in the ongoing convergence of traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem.
