Are US Banks Still Holding Bitcoin?

U.S. banks have been under growing scrutiny as crypto adoption accelerates across institutional markets. 

With shifting regulations, evolving custody frameworks, and rising interest in Bitcoin ETFs, many people are asking the same question: Are U.S. banks still holding Bitcoin today?

The answer is layered. While some banks are engaged with Bitcoin through custody and ETF-related exposure, clear evidence of large-scale direct ownership remains limited. 

This article breaks down what “holding” really means, what banks are currently doing, and how regulatory changes are shaping their involvement.

Are US Banks Still Holding Bitcoin? Latest Overview

The landscape of U.S. banking and crypto has changed significantly over the past few years. 

Banks have resumed certain crypto services after regulatory guidance shifted, but their exposure varies widely depending on whether we are talking about custody, ETF involvement, or actual ownership of Bitcoin.

Understanding the difference between these categories is essential to interpreting what it means for a bank to “hold” Bitcoin.

U.S. Banks Offering Bitcoin Custody Services

Some U.S. banks are actively engaged in Bitcoin custody services, particularly for institutional clients. 

These services enable investment managers and funds to store Bitcoin securely through regulated banking channels.

A notable example is U.S. Bank, which resumed Bitcoin custody services for institutional investment managers in 2025 through a partnership with NYDIG. 

This includes support for Bitcoin ETFs and other institutional crypto products.

Regulatory updates from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) clarified that banks can offer crypto custody under proper risk controls. 

This shift helped reopen a path that had previously been restricted.

Do U.S. Banks Directly Own Bitcoin?

The publicly available evidence indicating that major U.S. banks directly hold Bitcoin on their own balance sheets is minimal.

Most disclosures show the following:

• Banks act as custodians for client-held Bitcoin, meaning they do not own the asset.

• Some institutions hold small exposures to Bitcoin spot ETFs rather than the asset itself.

• Large-scale balance sheet ownership of Bitcoin by commercial banks is not widely reported.

This suggests that banks prefer maintaining a service-based role rather than directly acquiring Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Exposure Through ETFs and Funds

Many banks obtain indirect exposure to Bitcoin by holding shares of Bitcoin ETFs. 

This provides regulated exposure without the operational and balance-sheet complexities of holding Bitcoin directly.

Reports indicate that major banks collectively hold only modest positions in Bitcoin spot ETFs compared to the trillions in assets they manage. 

This reinforces the narrative that banks are cautiously testing the waters rather than taking significant positions.

Why U.S. Banks Are Moving Carefully With Bitcoin

Despite rising demand, banks are measured in their approach due to several factors:

• Regulatory uncertainty and evolving accounting requirements.

• Balance sheet treatment of digital assets, which can increase risk.

• Volatility concerns linked to cryptocurrency markets.

• A stronger preference for serving institutional clients rather than retail-facing crypto services.

However, with improved guidelines and ETF approval structures, banks are gradually shifting toward a more active role in digital asset markets.
 

Read more: Is Satoshi Nakamoto Finally Selling All His Bitcoin?

Final Thoughts

So, are U.S. banks still holding Bitcoin? The answer is yes — but mostly in indirect or custodial ways. 

Banks are offering Bitcoin custody, supporting Bitcoin ETFs, and maintaining limited exposure through regulated investment products. 

Yet, widespread direct ownership of Bitcoin on bank balance sheets remains scarce.

As regulatory clarity improves and institutional demand grows, banks may expand their involvement. 

For now, their participation suggests a cautious but steady integration of Bitcoin into traditional financial infrastructure.

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FAQs

Are U.S. banks allowed to hold Bitcoin?

Yes. Regulators such as the OCC have stated that banks may engage in crypto custody and related services under proper risk management frameworks.

Do banks own Bitcoin directly?

Most banks do not disclose large direct Bitcoin holdings. Their involvement is typically through custody or ETF-related exposure rather than owning Bitcoin themselves.

Which U.S. banks offer Bitcoin custody?

Institutions such as U.S. Bank have resumed Bitcoin custody services for qualified investment managers through partnerships with regulated custodians.

Are banks investing in Bitcoin ETFs?

Some banks hold small positions in Bitcoin spot ETFs, offering indirect exposure. These holdings are generally modest.

Will more banks adopt Bitcoin in the future?

As regulatory guidance becomes clearer and institutional demand grows, more banks may expand their Bitcoin-related services and exposures.