BNY

Citi plans to launch bitcoin custody later this year as part of its new Custody+ platform for institutional investors. The move would allow clients to hold BTC alongside traditional assets within the bank’s broader custody and settlement framework.

BNY is adding blockchain rails to its transfer agency business, creating an on chain ownership record for tokenized funds while maintaining existing infrastructure. Clients including Baillie Gifford, BlackRock and BNY’s Dreyfus unit are expected to use the service for tokenized fund products.

Swift is preparing live transaction tests for a blockchain-based shared ledger with 17 major banks, including HSBC, UBS, Wells Fargo and Citi. The platform is designed to support tokenized deposits and regulated digital money while keeping final settlement connected to existing payment rails.

Circle’s USDC widened its lead over Tether’s USDT in adjusted stablecoin transaction volume during the first half of 2026. Visa data showed monthly stablecoin activity reached a record $1.79 trillion in June as banks expanded digital currency settlement services.

Major financial institutions are moving deeper into stablecoin services as demand grows for regulated payment, custody, treasury and settlement rails. Standard Chartered and BNY are expanding USDC access while European lenders push euro-denominated alternatives to keep tokenized finance anchored in local currency.

Asset managers are accelerating plans to tokenize ETFs as investor demand and competitive pressure build around blockchain-based finance. BNY says firms are moving even as regulation, trading infrastructure and market structure remain unsettled.