Bitcoin News Update: JPMorgan Now Recognizes Bitcoin and Ethereum as Equivalent to Gold in Its Collateral System

JPMorgan Chase & Co. plans to permit institutional clients to use

and as collateral for loans by late 2025, representing a significant milestone in the convergence of digital currencies and conventional banking. According to reports from and confirmation by , this development highlights increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies and aligns with the global banking sector’s broader adoption of digital assets. The initiative will utilize third-party custodians to safeguard the pledged cryptocurrencies, addressing both regulatory and security issues while broadening the scope of crypto-backed lending.

This new offering expands on JPMorgan’s previous acceptance of crypto-related ETFs as collateral, such as BlackRock’s

(IBIT). By allowing direct use of Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings, the bank seeks to give institutional clients more options to leverage their crypto assets without needing to sell them. This strategy is similar to those already in place at Swiss banks and other major U.S. financial institutions, signaling a broader move toward mainstream use of crypto in lending markets.

JPMorgan’s strategy could release substantial liquidity for crypto investors, allowing them to secure loans while still benefiting from any future price increases. As noted in a

, this lending model may help long-term investors avoid taxable events by borrowing against their assets instead of selling. Additionally, it places Bitcoin and Ethereum on par with traditional collateral like equities and gold, further cementing their status in institutional finance.

The rollout of this program comes amid a broader wave of crypto adoption. For example,

has recently introduced its digital deposit token, "JPMD," on Coinbase’s Base network, and has grown its blockchain-based payments platform Kinexys, as reported by . At the same time, rivals such as Morgan Stanley and BlackRock are also expanding their crypto services, reflecting a competitive race to capture new opportunities in the digital asset sector.

Market sentiment has been cautiously positive. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum have experienced slight increases recently, with Bitcoin trading around $110,595 and Ethereum at $3,924 in late October 2025. Although JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has previously dismissed Bitcoin as a "pet rock," the bank’s practical approach highlights the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within established financial circles.