JPMorgan to Accept Bitcoin ETFs as Loan Collateral in Wealth Client Push

In a major shift toward embracing digital assets, JPMorgan Chase is now offering its wealthy clients the option to use spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as collateral for loans. According to a June 4 Bloomberg report, the move is part of a broader strategy to integrate crypto into traditional finance and meet rising demand among high-net-worth individuals.

The new lending program will initially roll out through JPMorgan’s trading and wealth management divisions. The service allows clients globally to borrow against their holdings in Bitcoin ETFs—starting with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the largest spot Bitcoin ETF on the market. IBIT has seen over $40.5 billion in cumulative inflows and currently manages more than $70.1 billion in net assets.

Sources familiar with the matter say the bank may expand the offering to include other spot Bitcoin funds over time.

JPMorgan’s decision marks another step into the crypto space for a bank whose leadership has historically been cautious on digital assets. CEO Jamie Dimon, a longtime skeptic of Bitcoin, recently reaffirmed his stance on personal freedom in financial choices, stating he would defend clients’ "right to buy Bitcoin" even if he remains critical of the asset.

Beyond loan services, JPMorgan reportedly plans to include crypto holdings in broader wealth assessments. This means Bitcoin ETFs could now be counted alongside traditional assets like real estate, equities, and luxury vehicles when evaluating a client’s net worth and liquidity. That change could give crypto a more formal seat at the table in financial planning and asset-backed financing.