JPMorgan Chase is weighing whether to offer bitcoin trading services to institutional clients, Bloomberg reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
The bank is assessing products that could include spot and derivatives trading desks within its markets division.
What JPMorgan is considering
Any launch remains in early-stage discussions and has not been committed to, according to the report.
The decision would hinge on client demand, perceived risks, and what JPMorgan can offer under existing regulations.
Scott Lucas, who leads digital assets for JPMorgan’s markets division, said in an October interview that the bank intended to pursue trading but did not plan to offer custody.
Why institutions want bank-grade execution
The report said large investors such as hedge funds and pension managers want more secure and regulated ways to trade digital assets.
It added that some institutional clients can’t or won’t use retail-focused venues due to compliance, custody, and execution concerns.
Competitive landscape
Coinbase Prime is among the best-known U.S. trading platforms tailored for institutions.
Other institutional offerings cited in the report include Bullish, Kraken Institutional, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Galaxy Digital.
Regulatory backdrop
Bloomberg said the bank’s interest is being encouraged by rising client demand alongside shifts in the U.S. regulatory environment, including expectations that an important digital asset bill could pass soon.
A JPMorgan representative did not immediately comment on the story.
