Citigroup is integrating Bitcoin (BTC) into its $30 trillion institutional infrastructure to automate custody and settlement for global fund managers.
TLDR
- Citi confirms 2026 launch of institutional Bitcoin custody and wallet infrastructure.
- Infrastructure enables seamless integration with traditional asset reporting and compliance.
- System abstracts private key management for sovereign wealth and pension funds.
- Operational framework supports 24/7 liquidity and dollar settlement.
- Move aligns with bank forecasts targeting price appreciation toward $189,000.
Citigroup has announced the official 2026 launch of its digital asset infrastructure. The system integrates Bitcoin directly into existing financial plumbing.
Nisha Surendran, Head of Digital Asset Custody, presented the roadmap at Strategy World 2026. The rollout focuses on core custody, key management, and institutional wallet services.
The platform targets high-net-worth entities and institutional allocators. It removes the requirement for clients to manage technical self-custody or one-time addresses.
Citi currently manages $30 trillion in assets under custody. The new infrastructure applies existing regulatory standards and risk controls to digital asset holdings.
The bank intends to provide unified reporting for Bitcoin alongside stocks and bonds. This alignment facilitates simplified tax compliance and portfolio management for large funds.
Strategic development for this platform began in late 2022. Executive discussions regarding the 2026 rollout were documented as early as October 2025.
Internal data from Citi analysts suggests upward momentum for Bitcoin in 2026. Bitcoin’s price projections indicate a base case of $143,000 with expansion to $189,000.
The infrastructure includes an update to the bank’s dollar settlement systems. This allows the bank to support 24/7 liquidity for Bitcoin transactions.
Citi’s entry follows similar infrastructure expansions from Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan. The shift indicates a transition toward on-chain financial settlement for global banks.
Institutional demand intensified following the 2024 approval of spot products. Citi’s custody solution addresses the primary security concerns of sovereign wealth managers.
The 2026 launch coincides with new federal legislative frameworks for digital assets. These laws provide the necessary legal clarity for bank-led custody of native tokens.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and readers should conduct their own research before making financial decisions.
Pijus Paul is the Founder and Lead Cryptocurrency Market Analyst at Cryptowealthnet. He specializes in Bitcoin and altcoin price predictions supported by technical analysis, market cycle evaluation, and risk-managed scenario planning. His price forecasts emphasize probability, structure, and disciplined strategy rather than speculation.
