Citigroup is preparing to integrate Bitcoin into its $30 trillion traditional asset management system with the digital asset infrastructure it plans to launch in 2026. Nisha Surendran, responsible for the bank’s digital asset custody unit, stated in her statement at the Strategy World event on February 26, 2026 that their goal is to make Bitcoin storeable and accessible at bank standards. Surendran stated that they will enable institutional customers to manage Bitcoin in an integrated reporting system with stocks, bonds and other assets.
Bitcoin Storage at Banking Standards
Citigroup is preparing to hold digital assets such as Bitcoin directly on its balance sheets, unlike models that offer limited access to crypto assets. The bank will bring the risk control, legal standards and reporting methods it applies to traditional securities to Bitcoin custody processes. Thus, corporate customers will be able to manage their assets’ performance reports, tax transactions and compliance controls in a single operational structure.
Transition to 24-Hour Operation Model
Due to Bitcoin’s uninterrupted trading, Citigroup is redesigning its systems to support liquidity and reconciliation transactions 24/7. This step envisages the bank’s return to its “city that never sleeps” operational approach in line with digital asset markets. It is reported that while developing the infrastructure, the bank combined its own technology with the capabilities of third-party business partners operating in the sector, such as Metaco. It is stated that the company is evaluating possible partnerships with various fintech infrastructure companies, including cooperation with Ripple’s custody service arm Metaco, but no official sharing has been made.
Institutional Demand and Regulatory Developments
It is stated that this move by Citigroup is due to the increasing interest in regulated crypto services among institutional investors. Surveys conducted within the bank show that around 10 percent of transaction volume in the financial market could come from digital assets over the next five years. It is determined that regulated institutions are the first choice in custody services.
In addition, the regulatory environment in the USA will become more open by 2026, allowing the responsible provision of digital asset services. In particular, it is reported that the GENIUS law, adopted recently, offers banks a road map for digital asset services.
The shift to institutional custody infrastructure is also increasing competition among major US banks. It is noted that while JPMorgan Chase offers access to crypto at the institutional level, Citigroup aims for further integration in this area with its direct crypto custody service. This approach stands out as part of the bank’s vision of integrating the traditional structure with crypto technologies.
Citigroup’s digital asset strategy is not limited to custody services. The bank also continues to operate in different areas of the sector with its Token Services for corporate payments and potentially its own stablecoin.
If this planned launch is successful, it is considered a significant step for the industry in terms of the full integration of Bitcoin into traditional financial structures in the USA.
Nisha Surendran, Citigroup’s digital asset custodian, stated that they aim to integrate Bitcoin into existing financial systems in a safe and regulated manner, and announced that this process will provide convenience to corporate customers in both reporting and operational terms.
