Citi Ventures Invests in BVNK to Expand Digital Asset Payments

Citi Ventures Investment in BVNK

  • Citi Ventures has invested in BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure firm based in London.
  • This investment enhances Citi's involvement in digital asset payments and tokenized transaction systems.

BVNK’s Operations and Valuation

  • BVNK processes over $20 billion annually for clients such as Worldpay, Flywire, and dLocal.
  • The company's valuation exceeds $750 million, focusing on connecting banks and payment providers with digital asset networks.

Strategic Insights

  • Arvind Purushotham, head of Citi Ventures, emphasizes BVNK's stablecoin settlement infrastructure.
  • BVNK CEO, Jesse Hemson-Struthers, views the partnership as a step towards faster global payments.
  • Mention of stablecoin policy efforts like the proposed GENIUS Act, though it lacks official U.S. records.

Market Impact

  • Citi's investment underlines its focus on digital infrastructure rather than launching its own stablecoin.
  • This move aligns with efforts on tokenized deposits and blockchain custody, showing integration of stablecoin technology into regulated finance.