What to know:
- Citi plans to launch crypto custody services later in 2026, starting with Bitcoin.
- Citi Crypto Custody will operate through the new Custody+ platform alongside traditional asset custody.
- The service is designed to provide near- and real-time custody for 24/7 digital asset markets.
Citi crypto custody initiatives are coming closer to fruition, with Citi revealing its intention to offer crypto custody solutions later in 2026, beginning with the custody of Bitcoin.
The newly initiated crypto custody services will be offered via the recently revealed Custody+ platform, thus combining crypto custody with Citi’s traditional custody solutions. This enables institutional clients to handle both traditional and crypto assets from a single custody system.
The news was revealed by Citi on August 18, and it stated that Custody+ would offer near- and real-time custody services that would be suitable for the fast-settlement and continuous trading markets.
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Citi Crypto Custody Will Start With Bitcoin
“Citi Crypto Custody” will start off by providing custodial services for Bitcoin, but it has yet to confirm which additional cryptocurrencies might be supported later on.
According to Citi, “Citi Crypto Custody” is scheduled to launch later in the year due to the fact that digital assets do not have any downtime, as they work 24/7. Citi will leverage its digital asset architecture to link crypto custody services with its traditional custody.
The method would provide an easier means for institutions to manage different classes of assets without having to use different custody arrangements.
Citi Expands Its Digital Asset Strategy
This comes at a time when Citi has already announced its plans for launching its crypto custody services in 2026 but has not been able to reveal more details on when exactly this will be possible.
Indeed, the banking giant has spent years preparing for its digital asset business. Specifically, in 2021, the bank boosted its cryptocurrency activities by hiring many people to join its digital asset team.
This indicates that Citi still believes there is a need for institutional infrastructure for cryptocurrencies, especially amid increased participation of banks and other financial institutions in the digital asset market.
Bitcoin Leads Citi’s Crypto Push
Bitcoin will be the initial basis for Citi crypto custody services, although the bank has yet to reveal if other assets like Ethereum or any other cryptocurrency will eventually be accepted.
This move comes at a time when there has been increased institutional demand for the custody of Bitcoin. There is rising demand by financial firms for a regulated system to accommodate digital assets, along with traditional financial products.
Citi’s strategy could also help bridge the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrency by allowing clients to access both services through one platform.
Citi will see its latest venture into the world of cryptocurrencies with the launch that is scheduled to happen soon. Following the launch of the Bitcoin custody services, the next steps planned by the bank regarding other digital assets would be the focus of attention for many crypto players.
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