Bitcoin News Today: Institutional Crypto Adoption Gains Momentum as JPMorgan PNC Integrate Blockchain Services

Binance CEO Richard Teng has underscored a seismic shift in institutional attitudes toward cryptocurrency, reflecting on how major financial players have transitioned from dismissing crypto as a “scam” to actively integrating it into their portfolios and services. His remarks highlight a broader transformation in the financial landscape, where skepticism has given way to strategic adoption. This pivot is evident in the actions of institutions like JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and PNC, which are now offering or planning crypto-related products, signaling a maturation of the asset class. Teng emphasized that this institutional “flip” is driven by regulatory progress, blockchain’s practical applications, and growing recognition of crypto’s role in portfolio diversification and macroeconomic hedging [1].

The shift began as early as 2025, with JPMorgan Chase announcing plans to offer loans backed by crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum as early as 2026. This marked a stark reversal for a bank whose CEO, Jamie Dimon, once labeled Bitcoin a “fraud” in 2017. While Dimon now refrains from personal crypto engagement, the bank has already begun lending against crypto ETFs and is exploring direct crypto collateral. Similarly, PNC Bank has partnered with Coinbase to enable institutional clients to trade digital assets, while Morgan Stanley is preparing to launch spot crypto trading via its ETrade platform by 2026 [1]. These moves are underpinned by a regulatory environment that has started to stabilize, with the U.S. House of Representatives passing a stablecoin oversight bill last week, fostering institutional confidence.

Parallel to institutional lending and trading, corporate treasuries are amassing Bitcoin at unprecedented rates. July saw notable accumulations, including Smarter Web Company adding 225 BTC to its 10-year accumulation plan and Semler Scientific surpassing 5,000 BTC. Volcon Holdings, now holding ~$375 million in Bitcoin, is leveraging derivatives to expand its holdings, while Matador Technologies has secured a $100 million facility to acquire Bitcoin, aiming for 1% of the total supply by 2027 [1]. These corporate moves underscore a strategic belief in Bitcoin’s potential as a store of value and hedge against inflation.

The institutional embrace of crypto is not merely speculative but rooted in blockchain’s functional advantages. Teng highlighted cross-border payment efficiency and asset tokenization as key drivers, with JPMorgan’s Bitcoin futures desk and Morgan Stanley’s inclusion of crypto in wealth management services exemplifying this shift. The rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which have attracted $151 billion in assets under management, further legitimizes crypto as a mainstream asset class [1]. Analysts note that institutional participation has created a feedback loop, enhancing market stability and liquidity while reducing entry barriers for smaller players.

Despite lingering challenges—such as volatility and regulatory scrutiny—the institutional “flip” has laid a foundation for sustained growth. Binance’s role in this ecosystem, Teng explained, involves bridging traditional finance and blockchain innovation, ensuring seamless integration for institutional clients. The broader implications for the crypto industry suggest a future where financial institutions prioritize compliance and scalability, with diverse strategies emerging from custody solutions to trading and lending [1].

This evolution mirrors earlier fintech disruptions, where skepticism yielded to adoption as value propositions became evident. For crypto, the differentiator lies in its ability to address inefficiencies in global financial systems. While macroeconomic factors and policy shifts will continue to shape market dynamics, the institutional stamp of approval has undeniably elevated crypto’s status, moving it from the periphery to the core of financial innovation.

Source: [1] [Binance CEO: From ‘Scam’ to ‘Next Big Thing’—How Institutions Flipped on Crypto] [https://coinedition.com/institutional-crypto-adoption-wall-street-jpmorgan-bitcoin/]