Citi plans to launch its crypto custody service in 2026 after nearly three years of development

**Citigroup Set to Launch Cryptocurrency Custody Service in 2026 After Three-Year Development**

Major banking giant Citigroup is preparing to enter the digital asset custody market with plans to launch its comprehensive cryptocurrency custody service in 2026. After nearly three years of strategic development, the Wall Street heavyweight is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing institutional demand for secure crypto storage solutions.

Biswarup Chatterjee, Citi's global head of partnerships and innovation, confirmed the project's advancement as traditional financial institutions increasingly embrace Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies. This move signals a significant shift in legacy banking attitudes toward blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The timing aligns with broader Wall Street adoption trends, as institutional investors seek regulated custody solutions for cryptocurrency portfolios. Citi's entry could intensify competition among established players like Coinbase Custody, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets.

This development represents a crucial milestone for cryptocurrency mainstream adoption, potentially providing institutional clients with enhanced security and regulatory compliance for digital asset management. The three-year development timeline demonstrates Citi's commitment to building robust infrastructure capable of handling institutional-grade cryptocurrency custody requirements in an evolving regulatory landscape.