Citigroup Doubles Down on Crypto: Stablecoin Plans, ETF Custody & Payments Revolution

Wall Street's sleeping giant just woke up—and it's holding a Bitcoin ledger. Citigroup is making a full-throttle push into crypto with a three-pronged assault: launching a proprietary stablecoin, seizing the booming ETF custody market, and overhauling global payments. Forget 'dipping toes'—this is a cannonball into DeFi waters.

The Stablecoin Gambit

Insiders whisper Citi's dollar-pegged token could challenge USDC's dominance—if regulators don't strangle it in the crib. The bank's playing both sides: embracing decentralization while keeping the Fed's compliance hotline on speed dial.

ETF Custody Gold Rush

With BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF sucking up $25B in AUM, Citi wants a cut of that 0.10% custody fee action. Their vaults are going digital faster than a degenerate trader chasing a Solana meme coin.

Payments Disruption

Cross-border transfers are getting the blockchain treatment. Expect 'instant settlement' press releases—and the usual 18-month delays while legacy systems play catch-up.

One thing's clear: when traditional finance finally moves, it brings nine-figure war chests and all the subtlety of a bull in a China shop. Just don't ask about their 2022 'crypto is a fad' research reports.