Quick Breakdown:
- Citi integrates Token Services with 24/7 USD Clearing to enable instant, blockchain-powered cross-border payments.
- Real-time liquidity lets clients move funds across Citi and non-Citi accounts anytime, even on weekends.
- Global expansion planned, extending the service beyond the U.S. and U.K. to meet demand for always-on payments.
Citigroup (NYSE: C) has launched an industry-first integration of its Citi® Token Services with its 24/7 USD Clearing network, creating a blockchain-based solution for real-time cross-border payments and liquidity management. The move allows institutional clients in the U.S. and U.K. to transfer funds and manage cash flows across multiple banks instantly and around the clock, setting a new standard in digital payments.
Blockchain meets real-time liquidity
The integration combines Citi’s blockchain-powered token platform with its established clearing network to enable near-instant USD settlements across Citi and non-Citi accounts. By leveraging a private, permissioned blockchain, Citi Token Services facilitates tokenized internal transfers while maintaining the security and interoperability of traditional payment rails. This eliminates cut-off times, reduces the need for pre-funded accounts, and supports smarter cash flow management for corporate clients.
The 24/7 USD Clearing network currently serves over 250 banks across more than 40 markets, processing billions in daily transactions. The new capability enables clients to transfer funds globally at any time, including weekends and holidays, while minimising operational friction. Initially available to clients in the U.S. and U.K., Citi plans to expand the service to additional regions to meet growing demand for around-the-clock payments.
Driving the next phase of digital finance
Citi executives said the integration addresses the shift toward always-on financial operations and the rising need for secure, tokenized liquidity solutions. The system’s interoperable design supports instant, multi-bank transactions and provides issuers with greater control over liquidity without disrupting existing workflows.
With blockchain technology at its core, Citi’s 24/7 clearing initiative underscores the banking giant’s commitment to digital transformation and real-time financial infrastructure.
The move highlights how major financial institutions are adapting to the rise of blockchain-based money. Stablecoins are increasingly used for payments, custody, and clearing, with tens of billions of dollars now moving through these networks every day. Industry voices, including Paxos, warn that banks risk losing relevance if they fail to integrate stablecoin-like solutions into their operations.
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