
Citi and Bank Leumi Move Into Crypto as Banks Expand Digital Asset Services
Citi plans to launch Bitcoin custody for institutional clients this year, while Israel's Bank Leumi partners with Galaxy Digital to offer crypto trading.
AfroEuropa Newsroom
AfroEuropa desk
Two major banks have outlined plans to broaden their cryptocurrency offerings, signaling continued interest from traditional financial institutions in digital assets.
Citi intends to launch a Bitcoin custody service for institutional clients later this year, according to Decrypt and CoinDesk. The bank plans to let clients hold Bitcoin alongside traditional assets within the same framework. CoinDesk reported that the service will run through the bank's new Custody+ platform.
Separately, Bank Leumi, described by BitKE as Israel's largest bank, has partnered with Galaxy Digital to provide cryptocurrency trading. BitKE reported it as the first such service announced by an Israeli bank. Customers of Leumi and its digital banking unit, Pepper, will be able to buy, hold and sell Bitcoin, Ether and Solana through the Leumi Trade investment app, with the service expected to launch in early 2027.
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