Citi Plans to Make Bitcoin Bankable with New Infrastructure

Citi Bank announces plans to launch Bitcoin infrastructure later this year, aiming to make BTC fully 'bankable' for institutional clients.

The goal, according to management, is for the cryptocurrency to become fully “bankable”—or compliant with banking standards and processes.

The bank plans to offer institutional custody and the integration of Bitcoin into existing financial systems.

Citi Bank plans to launch infrastructure later this year to integrate Bitcoin into traditional finance, aiming to make BTC “bankable.” This was stated by Citi’s digital asset custody head at the Strategy World event.

Bank-Grade Custody

Unlike limited models for crypto exposure, Citi intends to hold actual digital assets directly on its balance sheet. Risk controls, regulatory standards, and reporting mechanisms will be applied in the same manner as they are for traditional securities.

Institutional clients will be able to manage BTC alongside stocks, bonds, and other assets through a unified reporting framework. The system will include integrated compliance monitoring, tax processing, and performance analysis within a single operating environment.

Since Bitcoin trades continuously, the bank is adapting its internal processes to support 24/7 liquidity and settlement. This implies a return to a non-stop operating model—aligned with the specific nature of crypto markets.

Citi is building the system through a hybrid approach, combining internally developed technologies and partnerships with external providers. Industry observers suggest that companies like Ripple and its custody arm, Metaco, could be part of the ecosystem, though official details have not been confirmed.

Regulatory Window and Institutional Pressure

Citi’s move coincides with growing demand from institutional investors for regulated access to crypto assets. Internal analyses indicate that within five years, approximately 10% of financial market turnover could be digitized.

A more favorable regulatory environment in the U.S. in 2026, including the passage of the GENIUS Act, provides clearer guidelines for banks wishing to offer services related to digital assets.

While institutions like JPMorgan Chase already provide certain crypto exposure to clients, Citi’s plan for direct custody marks a deeper level of integration. This represents a shift from indirect access to embedding Bitcoin into core banking infrastructure.

If the initiative is realized as planned, it could accelerate the institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and intensify competition among leading banks in the race for digital assets.