Jun 5, 2025

JPMorgan Expands Crypto Playbook with ETF Loans and Digital Collateral

JPMorgan Chase is preparing to deepen its crypto integration, expanding services for select trading and wealth management clients. According to Bloomberg who cited sources familiar with the matter, the Wall Street giant is developing a new framework that would allow clients to use digital assets—such as Bitcoin—as collateral for loans tied to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

This marks a clear departure from JPMorgan’s historically cautious stance on crypto. Until now, clients seeking to leverage digital assets were evaluated individually under strict terms. But with regulatory sentiment in the U.S. gradually shifting, the bank appears ready to formalize and scale these offerings. The proposed program is expected to support widely adopted funds like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), underscoring rising institutional confidence in crypto-backed products.

A Strategic Shift in Asset Evaluation

In addition to enabling crypto-backed ETF loans, JPMorgan is also recalibrating how it assesses client eligibility for credit. Wealth management clients will now have their Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital holdings considered as part of their total liquid assets and net worth.

This expanded approach to asset evaluation could increase borrowing limits and portfolio flexibility for high-net-worth individuals. More broadly, the shift reflects JPMorgan’s evolving strategy—no longer treating crypto as a fringe asset class, but recognizing its place within a modern diversified portfolio.

JPMorgan Quietly Builds Full-Scale Crypto Infrastructure

JPMorgan’s crypto ambitions extend well beyond ETF loans. The bank is steadily assembling a wider digital asset infrastructure that may reshape its role in the broader crypto economy.

Despite past skepticism, even CEO Jamie Dimon recently acknowledged that clients will soon be able to buy Bitcoin through JPMorgan—though the firm won’t hold custody of the assets. It’s a notable shift from previous years, when the bank kept crypto at arm’s length.

The pivot is also evident in JPMorgan’s growing influence behind the scenes. In May, stablecoin issuer Circle—creator of USDC—brought JPMorgan on board to assist with its long-anticipated IPO. This move signals the bank’s growing involvement in helping crypto-native firms enter public markets, further embedding itself in the sector’s financial infrastructure.

Meanwhile, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)—a product JPMorgan will reportedly support with its new loan services—has emerged as the undisputed leader in the spot Bitcoin ETF market. With over $69 billion in assets under management, IBIT commands roughly 78% of the total market share, according to recent data.

Together, these developments reveal JPMorgan’s strategic intent: the firm is not merely offering crypto services—it is actively building the institutional rails for the next generation of digital finance.

Quick Facts

  • JPMorgan plans to accept Bitcoin and other crypto as collateral for ETF-backed loans.
  • Wealth management clients’ crypto holdings will now count toward their net worth.
  • The bank is assisting Circle with its IPO, signaling deeper involvement in the crypto sector.
  • JPMorgan will reportedly support loans backed by BlackRock’s IBIT, the market’s leading Bitcoin ETF.
  • CEO Jamie Dimon confirmed clients will soon be able to buy Bitcoin through the bank.

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