More than half of America’s 25 largest banks are actively developing Bitcoin-related products. This finding comes from new data compiled by River, which is illustrated in the image below. The data shows a clear trend among major institutions toward offering services connected to Bitcoin, ranging from custody to trading access.

Data from 8.8.25 via River on X

While the approaches vary between institutions, the overall direction is consistent. Some banks are opening client access to Bitcoin purchases, others are building infrastructure for custody and administration, and some are integrating Bitcoin-related rewards or payment products. This activity reflects both growing customer demand and improved operational capacity within traditional banking systems.

BTC ETF Demand has has been sustained and the banks are taking note. Data from Farside Investors as of 11.8.25

Regulatory changes have reduced some of the obstacles that previously limited bank participation in digital assets. The FDIC has removed the requirement for banks to seek advance approval before engaging in crypto-related activities. The OCC has clarified that national banks may offer cryptocurrency custody and related services if they maintain adequate risk management procedures. These changes lower operational barriers and have contributed to the growing number of banks moving into the Bitcoin market. According to a recent op-ed by Politico, the removal of certain regulatory barriers is expected to intensify competition among U.S. banks.

Conclusion
The participation of more than half of the largest U.S. banks in building Bitcoin products is quite notable. The widening range of Bitcoin offerings, combined with recent regulatory adjustments, is pushing traditional banks beyond exploratory phases and into building functional products that directly compete for digital asset customers. As more institutions develop their offerings, competition in this area is likely to intensify, shaping how customers engage with digital assets through established financial channels.

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