JPMorgan Expands Bitcoin Collateral Policy to Include Direct BTC and ETH Holdings

In a landmark shift for traditional finance, JPMorgan Chase has reportedly expanded its collateral framework to now include direct Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) holdings for institutional clients.

The move marks one of the strongest signs yet that mainstream banking is embracing digital assets as legitimate components of corporate balance sheets.

This development builds upon JPMorgan’s earlier decision in June 2025, when the bank began accepting spot Bitcoin ETFs, such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), as loan collateral for trading desks and high-net-worth clients. Today’s policy evolution goes a step further, allowing verified crypto holdings themselves to be used in loan evaluations and net worth assessments, much like traditional equities.

Institutional Adoption Accelerates

According to early reports circulating on X and BloombergTV, JPMorgan’s new policy applies to select institutional clients under strict custody and compliance conditions. The assets will be valued in real time through JPMorgan’s risk management systems, which reportedly integrate data feeds from regulated custodians and major exchanges.

This adjustment aligns with the regulatory climate under the Trump administration, which has emphasized financial innovation and encouraged U.S. banks to develop crypto-linked lending products. The move reflects growing confidence across Wall Street that digital assets can serve as legitimate, liquid collateral, particularly in an era of increasing institutional crypto exposure.

Jamie Dimon’s Stance and Strategic Pragmatism

While JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon remains personally critical of cryptocurrencies, frequently citing their use in illicit finance and market speculation, he has consistently maintained that the bank must “meet clients where they are.” Insiders describe this as a strategic pragmatism: Dimon’s skepticism coexists with a recognition that global demand for crypto services is too large for Wall Street to ignore.

Industry analysts view the policy as a pragmatic balance between risk management and innovation. “It’s no longer about belief,” said one New York-based financial strategist. “It’s about maintaining relevance in a market where digital assets are becoming core to wealth portfolios.”

Broader Market Impact

The timing of JPMorgan’s decision coincides with a renewed surge in crypto market momentum. Bitcoin is trading near $111,000, while Ethereum hovers around $3,950.

Both assets have seen sharp institutional inflows in recent weeks, partly driven by expanding collateralization use cases and on-chain liquidity improvements.

Crypto market participants hailed the announcement as a watershed moment for the institutionalization of digital assets. By treating Bitcoin and Ethereum as acceptable collateral alongside stocks and bonds, JPMorgan effectively bridges the gap between TradFi and crypto, giving major investors new leverage options while reinforcing the perception of digital assets as mainstream financial instruments.

The Bigger Picture

While retail clients are not yet included in the program, the shift underscores how rapidly digital assets are being integrated into the global banking system. Analysts say similar moves from other U.S. financial giants could follow in the coming months as regulatory clarity improves.

For now, JPMorgan’s expansion cements its role as a key bridge between legacy finance and blockchain-based value, signaling that, despite lingering skepticism, crypto has officially earned a seat at Wall Street’s table.