Citi has confirmed it will launch a digital-asset custody service by the end of 2026, with Bitcoin as the first supported cryptocurrency. The Wall Street bank unveiled the service as part of its new Custody+ platform, which is designed to integrate traditional and digital asset custody within a single framework for institutional clients.
The announcement, reported by The Block and BitcoinWorld, follows Citi's earlier disclosure in November 2025 that it planned to launch native crypto custody in 2026. Citi said clients will be able to access both conventional securities and crypto custody through the same platform. Custody+ also incorporates real-time asset servicing, instant settlements, liquidity tools, and AI-powered market intelligence, and is being built on the bank's common digital asset architecture.
Citi has been expanding its digital asset infrastructure throughout 2026. In January, the bank worked with Intercontinental Exchange to enable tokenized deposits across clearinghouses, and in July it joined a Swift pilot for 24/7 cross-border payments using tokenized deposits. Citi is also part of a group of major U.S. banks backing a planned tokenized deposit network through The Clearing House, targeting a first-half 2027 launch.
The move places Citi alongside other financial institutions such as BNY Mellon and State Street that have entered or announced crypto custody services. Citi's Custody+ is notable for its dual-asset approach, potentially appealing to asset managers, hedge funds, and institutional investors seeking regulated, compliant custody. The rollout remains subject to regulatory approvals, and Citi has not yet disclosed the initial jurisdictions or a timeline for adding other digital assets.
