PNC Partners with Coinbase to Launch In-App Crypto Trading
PNC Bank, one of America’s largest regional banks with over $400 billion in assets, has partnered with Coinbase to integrate cryptocurrency trading directly into its customer accounts. This collaboration enables PNC clients—particularly those in wealth and asset management—to buy, sell, and hold digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum within the bank’s existing digital platform. The integration is powered by Coinbase’s “Crypto-as-a-Service” backend, allowing PNC to offer seamless crypto access without building new infrastructure from scratch.
The announcement comes shortly after the passing of the GENIUS Act, a landmark federal regulation that establishes a legal framework for digital assets and stablecoins. This favorable regulatory shift, supported by the Trump administration, has given traditional financial institutions more confidence to enter the crypto space. PNC’s leadership stated the move is designed to meet growing demand from clients seeking secure, regulated crypto exposure under one roof.
In addition to client-facing services, PNC will also support Coinbase with treasury management and other core banking functions, marking a two-way strategic partnership. While the current offering targets high-net-worth individuals, the bank is evaluating potential expansion into commercial and institutional crypto services—including blockchain-based payments and digital asset custody.
This move positions PNC among a growing list of U.S. banks stepping into crypto. JPMorgan is exploring crypto-backed loans, while Standard Chartered and Fidelity are building crypto trading platforms for institutions. Bank of America and Citi are reportedly working on stablecoin pilot programs. PNC’s early entry, backed by regulatory clarity and Coinbase’s proven infrastructure, could give it a competitive edge as traditional banking and crypto continue to converge.
If successful, the partnership may accelerate broader adoption of digital asset services across the mainstream banking sector.