Custody

BlackRock-linked ETF servicing win and rising custody assets underscore structural momentum in securities services in Q1 2026. 

AUC/A remained flat from the previous quarter, while the bank details efficiency gains of AI adoption across the business.  

Growth was driven by a combination of higher fee income and improved interest dynamics, according to the bank.  

Custodian extends year-on-year growth streak to 14 consecutive quarters, supported by higher market levels and client activity. 

Appointment extends two-decade relationship as asset manager streamlines operating model. 

La Financière de l’Échiquier becomes first client in France to adopt the third-party service. 

Biswarup Chatterjee, global head of partnerships and innovation at Citi, outlines how a decade of in-house blockchain development has culminated in a live Ethereum pilot and upcoming institutional crypto custody offering. 

Mandate sees the custodian support Morgan Stanley investment management's entry into digital assets, alongside Coinbase Custody.

Proposed sub-custody model reflects growing preference for integrated, compliance-led infrastructure. 

Appointment underscores growing depth of ETF servicing in an expanding cross-border market.