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Crypto's rise and banks' ongoing struggles to adapt

Banks | Crypto Resistance Grows | Users Demand Access

By

Nina Petrova

Feb 21, 2026, 01:14 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A person using a cryptocurrency app on their phone with a bank building in the background, symbolizing the clash between digital finance and traditional banking.

A growing sentiment is emerging among people regarding banks and their reluctance to fully embrace cryptocurrency. As the digital currency continues becoming more prevalent, financial institutions may be slowly losing their grip on control.

Current Landscape: Banks and Crypto

Despite the mainstream rise of cryptocurrency, many banks remain hesitant to provide services tailored for digital assets. Some people see this as an attempt to control the technology rather than an issue of compliance or regulatory clarity.

"Banks don't want to service crypto because they can't control it. That's it," a commenter states, emphasizing a growing suspicion towards traditional finance.

The Reality Check

Larger institutions like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs are reportedly developing proprietary platforms to create a walled-off environment for themselves, with offerings like JPMorgan’s Onyx and BlackRock’s tokenized funds. These banks aim to monopolize the crypto space without allowing the general public direct access.

User Sentiment

There’s a clear pushback from the community regarding banks’ intentions. Many believe financial institutions are scared people might no longer need banks when crypto usage becomes more widespread.

"Banks are terrified of crypto because once a majority of people have access to it, they no longer need banks," another user commented. This perspective underscores a critical tension between innovation and established financial norms.

Key Points of Concern

  • Control Tactics: Many users believe banks aim to control crypto rather than integrate it into their services.

  • Ownership Issues: Developments at major banks suggest a push for proprietary formats, keeping the public at bay.

  • Fear of Obsolescence: As crypto gains traction, banks feel threatened and are adjusting strategies accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • 🏦 Major banks are developing their cryptocurrency systems, such as Onyx and tokenized funds.

  • ⚠️ Users express concerns about banks trying to limit access to crypto.

  • πŸ’­ "They just don't want YOU to have direct access," highlights a widely shared user sentiment.

The standoff between traditional banking systems and the growing crypto movement hints at unpredictable shifts in the financial landscape. As 2026 unfolds, the question remains: will banks adapt, or will they cling to their long-standing control?

Future Financial Landscape

There's a strong chance banks will either expand their crypto offerings or face significant losses in customer trust and market share. As digital currency becomes increasingly accepted, estimates suggest that about 40% of people could shift part of their assets to crypto within the next five years. This pivot may force financial institutions to adapt their services, either by creating better access policies or by offering competitive digital options. If they fail to evolve, there’s a real possibility that they'll become obsolete as consumers seek more accessible and transparent financial alternatives.

A Tale from the Shipping Industry

Consider the transition from traditional shipping to container shipping in the 1950s. Companies that resisted this change quickly found themselves struggling to compete. Initially, stevedores and shipping lines balked at this new model, fearing loss of control and jobs. Yet, those that embraced container shipping found new efficiencies and markets. Much like banks today, they faced a stark choice: adapt to the new landscape or be left behind. This historical shift serves as a powerful reminder for banks navigating the current crypto wave; without embracing change, they might witness their own decline.