**[Citibank to Launch Institutional-Grade Bitcoin Custody Service in 2026]** BlockBeats reported on February 27 that global financial giant Citibank announced plans to launch an institutional Bitcoin custody solution in 2026, integrating digital assets into its core banking system. The initiative was disclosed by Nisha Surendran, Head of Digital Asset Custody, during an industry event. Citibank stated that the new platform will offer institutional-grade custody, key management, and wallet systems, supporting 24/7 operations, Swift messaging systems, and API integration. It will also extend tax reporting, compliance management, and risk control processes to Bitcoin holdings, enabling institutional investors to manage digital assets as seamlessly as they manage stocks or bonds. According to disclosures, Citibank currently manages approximately $30 trillion in assets. The company plans to first roll out core custody functions, followed by advanced services such as asset segregation and collateral management. Industry experts believe this move could further drive traditional capital allocation into Bitcoin, though challenges such as regulatory developments and cybersecurity remain.