Citi’s digital asset custody service is set to begin operations by the end of 2026. This confirmation comes alongside the introduction of the Custody+ platform on August 18, 2026, a new infrastructure designed specifically for institutional clients. In the initial launch phase, Bitcoin will be the first crypto asset fully supported by this storage system.
This move is the culmination of a lengthy behind-the-scenes development process. Citi spent two to three years designing this custody service since its initial process began in October 2025. The entire service is built on the company’s shared digital asset architecture, a design that promises easy access for large clients. Through a single integrated platform, financial institutions can manage their traditional stock portfolios while also accessing crypto assets without relying on third-party infrastructure.
$2 Billion Capital Behind the New System
Behind this new system, Citi maintains a stable flow of capital. The bank invests more than $2 billion annually to mature their platform strategy. The tangible results of this investment are already operational today, with Custody+ proven capable of handling more than 80% of Citi’s event volume in real time.
The operational capacity of this service also relies fully on the company’s established global reach. Citi’s custody network currently serves clients in more than 100 international markets, backed directly by their own physical infrastructure operating in 62 different markets.
To cater to institutional clients, the Custody+ service goes beyond secure storage for Bitcoin. The system package includes real-time settlement services, advanced liquidity management, foreign exchange facilities, and the continuous provision of market data.
All these new features network with other innovations within Citi’s internal ecosystem. The Citi Token Services system has already supported the transfer of tokenized deposits with near-instant execution speed. Their asset expansion going forward is also not limited to Bitcoin, as the bank is developing tokenized depository receipt instruments, specifically for shares of private companies.
What Remains Unanswered
Although the plan to open the service by late 2026 has been publicly announced, Citi is still keeping several operational details under wraps. As of this writing, no specific launch date has been determined for when the system will begin serving active transactions. The bank has also chosen not to announce the list of institutional clients who will make up the first group of users on the platform.
The arrival of a conventional banking network bringing established cross-border infrastructure to the Bitcoin market is a game-changer. Conservative institutions now have fewer reasons to stay away, as the dividing line between traditional stock storage and crypto grows increasingly thin.
Reported from crypto.news.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
