Article Summary

**Citi Prepares Major Crypto Custody Launch for 2026 as Traditional Banking Embraces Digital Assets** Citigroup (C) is positioning itself at the forefront of institutional cryptocurrency adoption with plans to launch comprehensive crypto custody services by 2026, according to CNBC reports. The banking giant's upcoming platform will enable secure storage and management of native digital assets including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) for institutional clients, marking a significant shift in traditional finance's approach to cryptocurrency integration. After years of quiet blockchain development and digital asset research, Citi's crypto custody initiative represents a strategic move to capture the growing institutional demand for cryptocurrency services. This development aligns with broader Wall Street adoption trends, as major financial institutions increasingly recognize Bitcoin and digital assets as legitimate investment vehicles. The 2026 timeline positions Citi to compete with established crypto custody providers while leveraging its extensive banking infrastructure and regulatory expertise. This announcement could signal accelerated mainstream cryptocurrency adoption and potentially impact Bitcoin price momentum as institutional access expands. Citi's entry into crypto custody services reflects the evolving landscape where traditional banking and decentralized finance (DeFi) continue converging, creating new opportunities for institutional cryptocurrency investment and portfolio diversification.