Citi Group is preparing to enter the crypto custody market in 2026, aiming to directly hold native digital assets for institutional clients. The bank’s move comes after regulatory changes and a successful pilot program, which has positioned Citi as an early adopter of direct asset management for cryptocurrency. The service will offer a dual-track approach, leveraging internal architecture where possible, while utilizing third-party technology for others. This strategy caters to diverse client segments without locking the bank into a single framework. 2026 marks a crucial year in this new landscape as Citi seeks to capitalize on growing institutional interest and regulatory clarity.