Strategy, a research firm, released a Bitcoin Banking Adoption Index measuring how deeply 25 major banks and financial institutions have built infrastructure around the asset. The composite score stands at 32%, based on activity across custody systems, trading desks, investment products, lending programs, and public statements signaling institutional comfort with Bitcoin.
The index tracks a structural shift underway in Bitcoin ownership. Individuals hold approximately 13.9 million BTC, equivalent to 66.1% of Bitcoin’s 21-million maximum supply. Businesses hold 7.8%, while funds and ETFs hold 7.2%, for a combined 15% across both categories, roughly 3.15 million BTC. Individual holdings are 4.4 times larger than business and fund holdings combined.
Banks are now building the infrastructure to manage Bitcoin on behalf of customers who retain beneficial ownership. According to Strategy’s framework, banks can custody a customer’s Bitcoin, execute trades, administer collateral, and charge fees depending on custody, brokerage, or lending agreement terms. The services span five categories: custody systems, trading desks, investment products, lending programs, and leadership support.
Regulatory Shifts Enabling Bank Adoption
Three regulatory changes have removed barriers to bank Bitcoin services. The SEC rescinded SAB 121, which had required entities safeguarding crypto assets to recognize a liability and corresponding asset on balance sheets. That accounting rule had posed an obstacle to offering crypto custody at scale.
The Federal Reserve withdrew its requirement that state member banks give advance notice before starting crypto-asset activities, folding oversight into ordinary supervision. The OCC stated that national banks can buy and sell crypto assets held in custody at a customer’s direction as part of permissible custody services.
On January 1, 2026, the Basel Committee’s disclosure framework for bank cryptoasset exposures became effective within the Basel Framework, establishing reporting standards for bank-held crypto positions.
Demand Drivers and Adoption Patterns
Banks are responding to customer demand, ETF growth, corporate treasury activity, regulatory changes, and competition from crypto-native firms. Individuals built the Bitcoin ownership base years before banks constructed custody and lending infrastructure, according to Strategy’s analysis. The 32% composite score reflects the early stage of this institutional build-out.
If 10% of individually held Bitcoin moved into bank-controlled custody, the amount would reach 1.39 million BTC. A 25% shift would equal 3.47 million BTC. A 50% shift would total 6.94 million BTC. These scenarios illustrate the scale of potential consolidation onto bank-controlled rails, though Strategy did not specify what portion of individual holdings have actually migrated to date.
Strategy did not name the specific 25 banks included in the index. The firm also did not disclose whether the 32% composite score represents an increase, decrease, or baseline measurement against prior periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bitcoin Banking Adoption Index composite score?
The composite score stands at 32%, based on activity across custody systems, trading desks, investment products, lending programs, and public statements from 25 major banks.
How much Bitcoin do individuals hold?
Individuals hold approximately 13.9 million BTC, equivalent to 66.1% of Bitcoin's 21-million maximum supply.
Which regulatory changes enabled bank Bitcoin services?
The SEC rescinded SAB 121, the Federal Reserve withdrew its advance-notice requirement, and the OCC stated national banks can buy and sell crypto assets held in custody.
