Citi to offer direct Bitcoin custody for clients by end of 2026, integrating crypto with traditional assets.

Citi announced it will start holding Bitcoin directly for clients by the end of 2026 through its new Custody+ platform, which integrates digital asset custody with traditional equity and bond custody. This move allows clients to manage Bitcoin alongside other assets in a single framework without handling private keys. The development is significant because it removes a major barrier for institutional investors who require regulated custody, potentially opening the door for large pools of capital to hold native Bitcoin. While near-term price impact is limited, the medium-term effect could be substantial as institutions gain compliant access and Bitcoin could be used as collateral alongside traditional assets.