The global banking giant strengthens its foothold in digital payments as institutional interest in stablecoin infrastructure surges.
Citigroup’s venture capital arm, Citi Ventures, has made a strategic investment in London-based stablecoin firm BVNK, signaling Wall Street’s growing commitment to blockchain-powered payment systems. The move highlights a clear trend among major financial institutions aiming to integrate stablecoins into traditional banking operations.
Experts note that U.S. banks are rapidly aligning with blockchain technology, viewing it as a core component of the next generation of financial infrastructure.
“Banks at the scale of Citi are investing early to ensure they lead this technological shift in payments,” Harmse added.
Citi’s Vision for Blockchain Payments
While BVNK did not disclose the size of Citi’s investment, co-founder Chris Harmse confirmed the company’s valuation now exceeds $750 million, reflecting strong institutional demand.
“You’re seeing an explosion of demand for building on top of stablecoin infrastructure,” Harmse said, emphasizing the firm’s growing presence in the U.S. market, which has accelerated amid improved regulatory clarity.
The recent passage of the GENIUS Act in the United States — a bill providing clearer oversight for stablecoins — has fueled institutional confidence, enabling banks like Citi to expand their involvement in digital asset payments.
Wall Street’s Confidence in Stablecoins
Citi’s interest extends beyond investment. The bank is reportedly exploring the launch of its own stablecoin and has updated its forecasts, predicting the stablecoin market could reach $4 trillion by 2030 — up from its earlier $3.7 trillion estimate.
Industry Momentum and Global Impact
Other major institutions are following suit. Visa’s venture arm also invested in BVNK earlier this year, further validating the company’s infrastructure model.
Meanwhile, the Bank of England is revisiting its proposed limits on corporate stablecoin holdings, responding to growing industry pressure and competition from U.S. markets.
Citi’s partnership with BVNK marks a defining moment for the fusion of traditional banking and digital finance. With regulatory clarity improving and demand for efficient, blockchain-based payments accelerating, stablecoins are positioned to become a mainstream financial tool — reshaping how global transactions are conducted.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.