Citi expects to launch bitcoin custody later this year under its new Custody+ platform

Citi said its planned digital asset custody service will launch later this year, starting with bitcoin, as the Wall Street bank unveiled a new suite of near- and real-time products.

The bank previously disclosed in November 2025 that it planned to launch native crypto custody in 2026. In an announcement on Tuesday, Citi confirmed the service will launch later this year, starting with bitcoin, and that clients will be able to access both traditional and crypto custody within the same framework.

Citi has continued to expand its digital asset infrastructure this year. In January, the bank said it was working with Intercontinental Exchange to enable tokenized deposits across its clearinghouses, later joining a Swift pilot for 24/7 cross-border payments using tokenized deposits in July. Citi is also part of a group of major U.S. banks behind a planned tokenized deposit network through The Clearing House, targeting a launch in the first half of 2027.

Citi's broader custody push

The digital asset service will form part of Custody+, a new platform from Citi Investor Services designed for markets moving toward continuous trading and shorter settlement cycles. Citi said the crypto custody offering is being built on its common digital asset architecture.

Citi also highlighted its existing tokenized deposit capabilities as part of the broader Custody+ rollout, enabling near-instantaneous movement of tokenized deposits 24/7 across select Citi markets.

The platform also includes real-time asset servicing, instant settlements, liquidity tools, and AI-powered market intelligence.