Bitcoin integration push sees Citi build $30t custody rails for 2026

BTC integration plans lift Citigroup’s 2026 crypto custody launch, driven by institutional demand and ETF flows.

Summary

• Citigroup, with about $2.5t in assets, is building BTC infrastructure to link the coin into its existing $30t traditional asset framework for institutional clients.
• BTC services, including custody, key management, reporting, collateral and portfolio integration, are slated to roll out in 2026 after 2–3 years of internal development and testing.
• Citi’s move answers growing institutional BTC demand, especially from ETF participants, and aligns with peers exploring stablecoin rails, tokenized deposits and 24/7 blockchain settlement.

Citigroup Inc., a banking institution with approximately $2.5 trillion in assets, has announced plans to develop infrastructure for integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into traditional financial systems, according to reports.

The bank intends to complete construction of the new infrastructure by the end of 2024, with Bitcoin services for institutional clients scheduled to launch in 2026, the company stated.

According to Bitcoin Magazine, Citigroup is developing systems designed to enable Bitcoin usage within traditional financial networks. The infrastructure aims to connect banking systems with Bitcoin operations and facilitate the cryptocurrency’s use in banking transactions.

The initiative represents an expansion of cryptocurrency services among major financial institutions as digital assets continue to gain traction in institutional markets.

Citigroup has not disclosed additional details regarding the scope of services or specific features of the planned infrastructure.