Bitcoin News Today: Institutional Crypto Adoption Grows as Top Banks Expand Services Amid Regulatory Clarity

Binance CEO Richard Teng has outlined a striking evolution in institutional perceptions of cryptocurrency, tracing its journey from widespread dismissal as a “scam” to becoming a strategic asset for major financial players. Speaking via X, Teng contrasted 2017 skepticism with the current surge in institutional adoption, noting, “Institutions in 2025 [are saying]: ‘Crypto is the next big thing.’ Funny how things change.” This shift reflects a broader transformation in the financial landscape, where crypto—once marginalized as speculative or fraudulent—is now being integrated into core services by global banks and corporate treasuries [1].

JPMorgan Chase, a vocal critic of crypto in 2017, exemplifies this pivot. The bank plans to launch crypto-backed loans as early as 2026, marking a reversal from CEO Jamie Dimon’s past dismissal of Bitcoin as a “fraud.” While Dimon maintains personal disengagement from crypto, he now defends others’ right to own it, comparing the debate to smoking. JPMorgan has already begun lending against crypto ETFs, but accepting direct crypto as collateral would represent a deeper commitment to the asset class [1].

The broader banking sector is accelerating into crypto. PNC Bank has partnered with Coinbase to enable institutional clients to trade, hold, and sell digital assets via Coinbase’s infrastructure, while Morgan Stanley aims to offer spot crypto trading through ETrade by 2026. Regulatory clarity, including the U.S. House’s recent passage of stablecoin oversight legislation, has bolstered confidence in expanding crypto services. The law’s enactment late last week signals a historic win for the industry, reducing uncertainty for banks entering the space [1].

Corporate treasuries are also capitalizing on Bitcoin’s potential. July saw significant acquisitions, including Smarter Web Company’s 225 BTC addition under a 10-year plan, and Semler Scientific’s 5,000 BTC milestone. Volcon Holdings, now holding ~$375 million in Bitcoin, is leveraging derivatives to expand its holdings further. These actions underscore crypto’s growing role as a store of value and inflation hedge, with firms like Matador Technologies securing $100 million in funding to accumulate Bitcoin, targeting 1% of the total supply by 2027 [1].

Teng highlighted structural shifts in how institutions approach crypto, moving beyond speculative bets to integrating it into capital allocation strategies. Blockchain’s utility in cross-border payments and decentralized finance (DeFi) has attracted attention, while partnerships like PNC’s staking solutions and JPMorgan’s custody services demonstrate practical applications. However, challenges remain, including regulatory disparities and market volatility. Teng noted that institutions now prioritize “real-world problems” over “quick profits,” reflecting a maturing industry focus on utility rather than hype [1].

The transition has prompted traditional finance to reconfigure risk management frameworks, with banks adopting compliance tools and hiring experts to navigate crypto’s complexities. Teng emphasized that what was once dismissed as a scam is now analyzed with the rigor reserved for emerging markets. As macroeconomic conditions and regulatory developments continue to shape investor behavior, the next phase of institutional innovation in crypto is likely to unfold rapidly [1].

Source: [1] [Wall Street Goes All-In on Crypto as Top Banks Enter Market] [https://coinedition.com/institutional-crypto-adoption-wall-street-jpmorgan-bitcoin/]