Quick Breakdown
- 60% of top US banks now offer or plan to offer Bitcoin services, according to River
- Bank CEOs are becoming increasingly pro-crypto, as highlighted at Davos
- Some major institutions remain cautious, particularly around stablecoins
More than half of the largest banks in the United States have either launched Bitcoin-related services or disclosed plans to do so, signalling a sharp shift in Wall Street’s stance toward digital assets, according to Bitcoin financial services firm River.
60% of the top US banks are into bitcoin. pic.twitter.com/AqceDDfjDP
— River (@River) January 26, 2026
In a post shared on X on Monday, River revealed that 60% of the top 25 US banking institutions are now involved in Bitcoin, through offerings such as trading, custody, or crypto-backed lending. The update highlights how mainstream finance is increasingly integrating crypto after years of skepticism.
Bank CEOs turn pro-crypto at Davos
The trend echoes recent comments from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who said discussions with global banking leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 19–23) showed a notable change in sentiment.
Armstrong said most of the banking executives he met were openly supportive of crypto, viewing it as a long-term opportunity rather than a threat. According to him, one CEO of a top-10 global bank even described crypto as an “existential priority” for their institution.
This marks a stark contrast to earlier years, when several US banks were accused of cutting ties with crypto firms during what industry players dubbed “Operation Chokepoint 2.0.”
Big banks join in, but caution remains
Among the US “Big Four” banks, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup have all taken steps toward crypto adoption. JPMorgan has said it is considering crypto trading, Wells Fargo already provides Bitcoin-backed loans to institutional clients, and Citigroup is exploring crypto custody services for institutions.
Together, the three banks control more than $7.3 trillion in assets, according to Forbes. Swiss banking giant UBS, which operates extensively in the US, was also recently added to River’s list and is reportedly considering Bitcoin and Ether trading for its wealthiest clients.
Still, not all major players are convinced. Bank of America, along with Capital One and Truist Bank, has yet to announce any concrete Bitcoin-related plans. Banks have also remained vocal critics of yield-bearing stablecoins, warning they could introduce systemic financial risks.
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