"JPMorgan Chase"
Is studying the provision of loans to its clients secured by their holdings of digital currencies.
Sources said that the bank may begin lending directly against digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum next year, noting that these plans are subject to change.
This move represents a significant shift in the outlook of the bank's CEO "Jamie Dimon," who has frequently criticized Bitcoin and stated 8 years ago that it was a fraudulent currency that would ultimately be destroyed.
However, last May, after the election of U.S. President "Donald Trump," known for his strong support for digital currencies, "Dimon" said: "I think you shouldn't smoke, but I defend your right to smoke, and I defend your right to buy Bitcoin as well.
The bank has already begun taking some actions and steps to support digital currencies by announcing plans to start lending against holdings in cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds in the U.S. market, and is currently exploring lending against actual assets, which is another step and a historic victory for cryptocurrencies.