JPMorgan May Enter Crypto Trading Using Third-Party Custodians, Potentially Expanding Bitcoin Access for Clients

• JPMorgan will trade crypto but not self-custody

• Bank will use third‑party custodians and explore loans backed by digital assets.

• JPMorgan announced a $10B US investment plan as part of a broader $1.5T pledge this year.

Will JPMorgan offer crypto custody? JPMorgan will trade crypto while using third‑party custodians; understand implications for clients and markets. Read COINOTAG analysis.

By COINOTAG — Published Oct 13, 2025 | Updated Oct 13, 2025

Will JPMorgan offer crypto custody?

JPMorgan offer crypto custody is not the bank’s current plan: JPMorgan intends to facilitate client access to cryptocurrencies while relying on third‑party custodians rather than providing self‑custody. The bank will focus on trading, stablecoin projects and asset-backed lending, using external custody providers to manage client assets.

How will JPMorgan manage custody and client access to digital assets?

JPMorgan’s strategy prioritizes market participation without operating a custody arm in-house. The bank has signaled plans to allow clients to purchase and trade Bitcoin and Ethereum while third‑party custodians hold the assets. This approach mirrors moves by other major banks and reduces direct operational and regulatory exposure for JPMorgan.

Officials cite regulatory clarity and evolving US legislation — for example, the GENIUS Act and other stablecoin-focused proposals — as enabling frameworks that encourage banks to build services around digital assets. JPMorgan has publicly discussed exploring loans backed by client-held cryptocurrencies, with potential launches in 2026 according to market reports. At the same time, Biswarup Chatterjee at Citi (global head of partnerships and innovation) has indicated that Citi plans to launch a custody service next year after several years of development, underscoring divergent institutional approaches within the sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will JPMorgan hold customers’ Bitcoin directly?

JPMorgan has said it will permit clients to acquire and trade cryptocurrencies but will not directly provide custody at this time. Instead, the bank will rely on third‑party custodians to hold assets, allowing JPMorgan to offer trading, lending and payments services without the operational burden of self‑custody.

How does JPMorgan’s approach affect clients who want crypto services?

Clients gain access to trading and asset‑backed lending through JPMorgan while custody risk is managed by specialized custodians. This reduces the bank’s direct custody liabilities but maintains client access to institutional-grade services in a regulated framework that emphasizes third‑party security and compliance.

Key Takeaways

• No in-house custody: JPMorgan will not provide self-custody; third‑party custodians will hold client crypto assets.
• Product focus: The bank intends to expand trading, stablecoin participation and asset-backed lending, with potential crypto-backed loans in 2026.
• Broader strategy: The move reflects regulatory developments (e.g., GENIUS Act) and a trend of major banks increasing crypto exposure without assuming custody operations.

Conclusion

JPMorgan’s stated plan to engage in cryptocurrency markets while delegating custody to third‑party providers keeps the bank active in the evolving digital asset ecosystem while limiting direct custody risk. This approach—confirmed in bank statements and executive commentary—aligns with industry shifts driven by regulatory change and competitive pressures. For clients and market participants, the development signals broader institutional acceptance of crypto products and a focus on secure, specialist custody solutions; follow COINOTAG for ongoing coverage and official updates from JPMorgan, Citi, and regulatory developments.

Sources (plain text): JPMorgan public statements; CEO Jamie Dimon comments; Biswarup Chatterjee (Citi executive) remarks; reporting on GENIUS Act and regulatory proposals; JPMorgan press materials on $10 billion investment and $1.5 trillion pledge.