--- title: "Copper in Early IPO Talks as Crypto Custody Goes Mainstream" date: 2026-01-29 author: "Barry Elad" featured_image: "https://sqmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/crypto-custody-firm-copper-plans-for-ipo.jpg" categories: - name: "Artificial Intelligence" url: "/artificial-intelligence.md" tags: - name: "News" url: "/tag/news.md" --- # Copper in Early IPO Talks as Crypto Custody Goes Mainstream Copper, a major player in the crypto custody sector, is reportedly exploring an initial public offering as Wall Street’s interest in institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure continues to grow. ## Quick Summary – TLDR: - Copper is in early talks for a potential IPO, with Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Deutsche Bank as possible underwriters. - BitGo’s recent $2 billion IPO has set the stage for similar crypto custody firms to enter public markets. - Institutional demand for secure, compliant crypto infrastructure is rising fast, boosting firms like Copper. - Copper’s potential listing could mark a new wave of crypto infrastructure companies targeting traditional investors. ## What Happened? London-based crypto custody firm Copper has begun early discussions about a public listing. The company is said to be engaging with investment giants **Goldman Sachs, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank** as potential underwriters. While Copper has stated it has no current IPO plans, it has not denied being in exploratory talks. This move comes shortly after rival firm BitGo’s blockbuster public debut, which valued BitGo at around $2 billion and marked a turning point for crypto infrastructure players seeking validation in traditional capital markets. > JUST IN: Crypto custody firm Copper in early talks for IPO as crypto ‘plumbing’ becomes new Wall Street favorite [\#crypto](https://twitter.com/hashtag/crypto?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/2B6datiUhu](https://t.co/2B6datiUhu) > > — CryptoFuseDaily (@cryptofusedaily) [January 29, 2026](https://twitter.com/cryptofusedaily/status/2016904323888808129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Institutional Crypto Takes the Spotlight Copper is among a wave of crypto-native infrastructure companies now eyeing the public market. As institutional demand rises, custody providers like Copper are becoming vital in what’s now being called the financial industry’s crypto “**plumbing**.” - Copper offers services like **institutional custody**, **MPC-based secure storage**, and **prime brokerage**. - Its ClearLoop technology allows instant settlement across multiple exchanges. - The firm serves [hedge funds](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/crypto-hedge-funds-statistics/), family offices, and trading firms seeking **secure, regulated custody solutions**. Recent appointments like **Tammy Weinrib as Chief Compliance Officer for the Americas** and **Amar Kuchinad as global CEO** signal a deliberate shift toward scaling operations with a compliance-first mindset. ## BitGo’s IPO Opens the Floodgates BitGo’s listing on the **New York Stock Exchange** last month set a strong precedent. The company priced shares at $18 and initially saw a 36 percent surge before eventually stabilizing around **$12.50**. Despite some volatility, BitGo’s IPO marked a turning point, pushing crypto custody into the public spotlight. Copper hopes to follow a similar trajectory, tapping into increased investor appetite for reliable crypto infrastructure stocks. - BitGo and Copper both focus on **institutional custody services**. - BitGo’s IPO success is expected to **encourage more listings** in the sector. - Analysts estimate **Copper’s valuation between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion**, depending on final offering details. ## Favorable Market Conditions and Regulation A confluence of market and regulatory tailwinds makes now a strategic moment for firms like Copper. The **SEC’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs**, the **[UK’s FCA rules](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/uk-stablecoin-regulation-november-launch/) on crypto promotions**, and **Singapore’s licensing updates** have all created a more stable framework for digital asset service providers. According to experts, the custody sector benefits from: - **Recurring revenue from asset-based fees.** - **Compliance with asset segregation mandates**. - **High technical barriers that protect margins**. - **Integration with trading platforms and DeFi protocols**. Laura Katherine Mann, a partner at White & Case, said that 2026 is shaping up to be the year of financial infrastructure in crypto. “ We expect the next wave of IPO candidates to emphasize compliance maturity, recurring revenue, and operational resilience. Laura Katherine MannPartner – White & Case ## What Copper Stands to Gain? Going public would provide Copper with increased brand credibility and access to global capital markets, allowing further investment in technology and expansion. The company has already gained regulatory approvals in multiple jurisdictions and reportedly engaged with UK regulators throughout 2024. Experts point out that custody is not just a commodity service but the foundation for further growth areas like **lending, staking, and trading**. ## SQ Magazine’s Takeaway I think this move by Copper is a smart play. Crypto custody is no longer just a back-office function. It’s front and center in the world of institutional finance. Copper going public would not only bring more transparency to the sector but also send a loud message: crypto infrastructure is here to stay. I’ve been watching how traditional finance is warming up to crypto, and Copper’s IPO talks confirm that shift is getting real traction. If you’re still doubting whether crypto is entering the mainstream, this is your wake-up call.