- PNC Bank adds spot Bitcoin trading to its app for PNC Private Bank high-net-worth clients.
- Coinbase’s CaaS powers PNC services, handling Bitcoin custody and trading for private clients.
- PNC treats this launch as a first step and may extend Bitcoin trading to nonprofit clients.
PNC Bank has introduced direct spot Bitcoin trading for eligible private banking clients on its digital platform. Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) infrastructure powers the new crypto trading feature for PNC Private Bank accounts.
Moreover, the launch makes PNC the first major U.S. bank to integrate spot Bitcoin trading within its core bank crypto services.
Coinbase CaaS Powers PNC Bank’s New Bitcoin Trading Service
According to a press release, PNC now allows high-net-worth Private Bank clients to buy, sell and hold Bitcoin trading positions through their existing accounts. According to the bank, clients place orders inside the same dashboard that already shows deposits, portfolios, and lending options. The clients can integrate spot Bitcoin trading into their usual wealth routines without opening accounts on external crypto exchanges.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the introduction supports growing interest from traditional institutions. “PNC Private Bank clients can now buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin in their existing accounts,” Armstrong said in a statement on X. He also noted “PNC Bank is the first major US bank to support this type of offering.”
The new system runs on Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure. According to Coinbase, the platform allows banks to embed digital asset functions into standard banking technology while maintaining regulatory and operational safeguards.
Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service platform handles trade execution, custody, and transaction monitoring for the new Bitcoin trading channel. Moreover, PNC Bank manages client interaction, account oversight and digital access while Coinbase runs the underlying digital asset infrastructure.
Furthermore, PNC supports Coinbase with treasury services, handling its cash management and other core banking needs.
Also Read: PNC Bank to Launch Crypto Trading Access Through Strategic Partnership With Coinbase
PNC Advances Crypto Trading Strategy After 2025 Partnership Reveal
The launch comes after PNC publicly announced its collaboration with Coinbase Global Inc. in July 2025. The bank proposed a strategy to provide a few of its clients with direct access to Bitcoin.
In addition, PNC previously offered exposure to bitcoin and ether through passive ETFs, but demand for direct access increased over the past year. Amanda Agati, Chief Investment Officer at PNC, said clients want clear information as they assess digital assets. “They’re looking to us for an understanding of what these things are, how it works, and does it make sense in the longer term,” Agati said.
Furthermore, PNC plans to expand access that could reach additional client segments such as nonprofits, endowments, and foundations. These groups already use PNC for custody, advisory work and crypto trading may join later.
Also Read: Coinbase CEO Unveils Super App Plan to Challenge Traditional Banks
