River believes broader adoption is coming as pressure builds to keep up with changing client demand
Bitcoin-focused financial services firm River says crypto is moving closer to the center of US banking. In a recent post on X, the company claimed that a majority of the largest banks in the country are now involved with Bitcoin in some form or are planning to be.
60% of the top US banks are into bitcoin. pic.twitter.com/AqceDDfjDP
— River (@River) January 26, 2026
River reviewed the top 25 banks operating in the US and found that about 60% have either launched or announced Bitcoin-related services. These offerings range from trading and custody to lending products tied to digital assets, signaling a clear shift in attitude.
That change was echoed by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong following the World Economic Forum in Davos. Armstrong said many banking executives he spoke with now view crypto as a serious business opportunity rather than a threat. One leader of a top global bank even described crypto as a top priority.
This marks a sharp contrast from recent years, when banks were accused of distancing themselves from the crypto industry. Critics pointed to efforts like “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” which was seen as pressuring banks to cut ties with crypto firms.
Among the largest US banks, three of the so-called Big Four have made visible moves. JPMorgan Chase is weighing crypto trading options, Wells Fargo offers Bitcoin-backed loans to institutions, and Citigroup is exploring custody services for large clients. Together, they manage more than $7 trillion in assets.
International banks are also stepping in. UBS, which has a strong US presence, is reportedly considering Bitcoin and Ether trading for wealthy customers. Still, banks remain cautious, especially when it comes to yield-bearing stablecoins.
Not every major player has joined in. Bank of America, Capital One, and Truist have yet to announce Bitcoin plans.
