Citi Nears Completion of Institutional Crypto Custody Solution Ahead of 2026 Launch

Quick Breakdown 

• Citi targets a 2026 launch for its regulated crypto custody platform for institutional clients.
• The bank will adopt a hybrid model, combining in-house technology with third-party solutions.
• The initiative reinforces Citi’s strategic expansion into blockchain and digital asset infrastructure.

 

Citi advances toward 2026 crypto custody launch

Global banking giant Citi is reportedly in the final phase of building a regulated crypto custody platform, designed to serve institutional asset managers. The service, which has been in development for nearly 3 years, is expected to roll out fully by 2026, according to CNBC report on October 13.

Citi is seen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 3, 2025. Source: CNBC

Biswarup Chatterjee, Citi’s global head of partnerships and innovation, confirmed the timeline, noting that the bank has been “architecting” the solution to meet institutional standards for security and compliance.

A hybrid model for institutional confidence

Citi plans to employ a hybrid model that blends proprietary technology with third-party partnerships. Chatterjee explained that certain solutions will be fully developed in-house to cater to specific asset types and client segments, while others will leverage external, more agile systems.

“We may have some solutions completely designed and built internally for certain clients, while adopting lightweight, third-party platforms for other digital assets ,” he said.

Regulated custody for a risk-averse market

The custody solution aims to address institutional concerns stemming from exchange collapses, cyber thefts, and the risks of self-custody. By holding native cryptocurrencies directly, Citi seeks to offer a compliant, bank-grade alternative backed by its long-standing reputation for asset security.

The move further solidifies Citi’s push into blockchain-based finance. The bank’s latest initiative aligns it with Wall Street competitors such as JPMorgan and Bank of America , both of which have been expanding their digital asset infrastructure through blockchain payments and tokenized deposits.

Expanding blockchain engagement

Citi’s crypto strategy extends beyond custody. Just days before this development, reports revealed that the bank had joined a consortium alongside Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, and Santander to explore stablecoin use cases. Additionally, Citi’s investment in BVNK — a U.K.-based stablecoin infrastructure firm — underscores its growing interest in digital financial infrastructure.