In a surprising move, JPMorgan’s Dimon is back in the spotlight, this time for easing the bank’s hardline stance on Bitcoin. Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, revealed during the bank’s annual investor day on May 19, 2025, that clients will now be able to purchase the top cryptocurrency.
Clients Can Buy, But Bank Won’t Hold
Although JPMorgan is allowing customers to buy Bitcoin, the bank will not offer custody services. The decision brings JPMorgan in line with other major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley, which have already begun providing limited crypto services to clients.
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Dimon Still Doesn’t Believe in Bitcoin
Despite the policy shift, Dimon hasn’t changed his personal views. He reiterated his long-standing skepticism, stating:
“I don’t think you should smoke, but I defend your right to smoke. I defend your right to buy Bitcoin.”
Over the past few years, Dimon has repeatedly criticized Bitcoin. In 2021, he called it “worthless,” and in 2023 and 2024, he told lawmakers and global leaders that cryptocurrencies serve mainly criminal purposes. As recently as December 2023, he remarked, “If I was the government, I’d close it down.”
Banking Sector Embraces Crypto, Slowly
While Dimon maintains his stance, the broader banking sector continues to show increasing interest in crypto assets. The launch of Bitcoin spot ETFs has significantly boosted institutional interest, and financial giants like BlackRock are exploring tokenized markets more actively.
U.S. regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, have also taken more structured steps toward crypto oversight. Under President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto administration, the path to mainstream adoption is gaining speed.
A Strategic Shift, Not a Change of Heart
JPMorgan’s new position reflects growing client demand rather than a philosophical turnaround. JPMorgan’s Dimon may not trust Bitcoin, but his bank recognizes its role in the modern financial ecosystem.