JPMorgan Chase & Co. is taking a major step toward deeper integration of cryptocurrency-linked assets into its financial ecosystem.
The largest U.S. bank has announced plans to allow trading and wealth-management clients to use certain cryptocurrency-backed assets as collateral for loans, reflecting a growing institutional acceptance of digital currencies.
This move aligns with a broader industry trend, as well as President Donald Trump’s administration’s supportive stance on digital assets.
The bank will initiate this policy with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), a prominent Bitcoin ETF, with additional exchange-traded funds (ETFs) expected to be introduced over time. This expansion marks a formalization of practices that were previously handled on a limited, case-by-case basis.
A Global Policy Spanning All Client Segments
This updated policy applies globally and encompasses all types of clients, from individual retail investors to large-scale institutional traders.
Beyond the lending framework, JPMorgan is also restructuring its wealth assessment criteria. Cryptocurrency holdings will now be considered a factor in overall net worth evaluations and liquid asset calculations, treating them as equivalent to stocks, luxury vehicles, or fine art when determining loan eligibility.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the bank’s decision aligns with broader industry movements, as other financial giants, including Morgan Stanley, explore ways to integrate cryptocurrency into their service offerings.
Regulatory Tailwinds and Market Growth
The evolving regulatory environment in the United States has contributed to this shift. Since returning to the office, President Donald Trump’s administration has adopted a more favorable stance toward digital assets.
This policy direction coincides with the remarkable growth of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which were first introduced in January 2024.
These funds now collectively manage $128 billion in assets, making them one of the most successful ETF launches in financial history.
Bitcoin’s market trajectory also underscores the increasing institutional demand for cryptocurrency exposure. The digital asset has witnessed unprecedented price appreciation, reaching a record high of $111,980 in May 2025.
Forefront of blockchain experimentation
JPMorgan has long been at the forefront of blockchain experimentation among U.S. banking institutions.
The company maintains strategic relationships with key industry players such as Coinbase, and its latest move further integrates digital assets into mainstream financial services.
Despite the bank’s increasing embrace of cryptocurrency, CEO Jamie Dimon has remained publicly skeptical of Bitcoin itself.
At JPMorgan’s investor day in May, Dimon reiterated his reservations, stating, “I’m not a fan of Bitcoin.” However, he also acknowledged the importance of client autonomy, adding, “I don’t think we should smoke, but I defend your right to smoke. I defend your right to buy Bitcoin, go at it.”
What you should know
- JP Morgan is seeking to apply for a merchant banking licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as it gears up to expand its operations in Nigeria by converting its long-standing Lagos representative office into a fully operational business branch.
- This licence would enable the bank to broaden its offerings beyond advisory and asset management, with plans to introduce dollar-denominated loans tailored for large corporations.
- The New York-based financial institution, which has been operating in Lagos since the 1980s, is managed in Nigeria by its head of West Africa, Dayo Olagunju.
If approved, the conversion to a fully-fledged branch would mark a new era in JP Morgan’s African operations, further enabling the bank to provide specialized financial services while strengthening its regional presence.