PwC Goes All In on Crypto After US Regulation Shift: The Big Four’s Billion-Dollar Bet

PwC just placed its chips on the crypto table—and it's not playing with pocket change. The regulatory winds shifted in Washington, and one of the world's largest professional services firms is going all in.

The New Game Plan

Forget advisory sidelines. The firm is launching dedicated audit and assurance services for digital assets, building a massive new practice from the ground up. It's recruiting blockchain specialists, retraining legacy audit teams, and developing proprietary tools to track on-chain transactions. This isn't a pilot program; it's a full-scale invasion into territory once viewed as a regulatory minefield.

Why Now? Follow the Money

The catalyst was clear: a landmark US regulatory framework finally provided the clarity institutional capital demanded. Overnight, the perceived risk profile changed. PwC isn't just responding to client demand—it's anticipating a flood of corporate treasuries, hedge funds, and pension funds seeking legitimacy. They're building the bridge for traditional finance to cross over, charging tolls in the process. A classic move: sell the picks and shovels during a gold rush, especially when you can also certify the weight of the gold.

The Institutional On-Ramp Opens

This move signals a critical inflection point. When a firm that audits Fortune 500 companies starts validating crypto holdings, the 'wild west' narrative crumbles. It provides the comfort blanket of a Big Four sign-off, something CFOs and audit committees understand. Expect others to follow rapidly—where PwC leads, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG are never far behind. The race to become the trusted name in digital asset verification is officially on.

A calculated power play or a desperate grab for relevance in a fading audit business? Either way, PwC just told the market that crypto's institutional era isn't coming—it's here. And they intend to be the ones holding the ledger.

TLDR

• PwC is expanding its crypto services after clearer US regulations emerged, including the GENIUS Act for stablecoins
• CEO Paul Griggs cited new leadership at regulators like the SEC as a key factor in the decision
• PwC offers crypto accounting, cybersecurity, wallet management, and regulatory advice to exchanges, banks, and governments
• All Big Four accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG) now provide crypto-related services
• PwC is pitching clients on using stablecoins to improve payment system efficiency

PricewaterhouseCoopers announced it will expand its cryptocurrency business following recent changes in US regulation. The accounting firm cited clearer rules and new leadership at federal agencies as reasons for the shift.

BREAKING: PWC TO DIVE INTO CRYPTO

As per FT, Big Four firm PwC is ramping up its crypto work after years of caution, following the Trump administration’s embrace of digital assets. pic.twitter.com/xcudVRZXzd

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 4, 2026

Paul Griggs serves as PwC’s US senior partner and CEO. He told the Financial Times that stablecoin legislation and updated regulatory frameworks made the decision easier.

The GENIUS Act passed recently and focuses on stablecoin regulation. Griggs said this law will create more confidence for companies entering the digital asset space.

“The GENIUS Act and the regulatory rule making around stablecoin, I expect, will create more conviction around leaning into that product and that asset class,” Griggs stated. He also mentioned that tokenization will continue to develop.

New leadership at the Securities and Exchange Commission played a role in PwC’s decision. The firm sees these changes as creating a more predictable environment for crypto businesses.

PwC is part of the Big Four accounting firms. The group includes Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and KPMG as the largest professional services companies globally.

Services and Clients

PwC lists several crypto services on its website. These include accounting, cybersecurity, wallet management, and regulatory advice for digital assets.

The firm works with cryptocurrency exchanges and traditional financial institutions entering the sector. PwC also serves governments, central banks, regulators, and policymakers.

Griggs told the Financial Times that PwC has been growing its crypto team. The expansion happened over the past 10 to 12 months as client demand increased.

“We are never going to lean into a business that we haven’t equipped ourselves to deliver,” Griggs said. The firm added staff both internally and externally to handle more work.

PwC operates in both audit and consulting areas for crypto clients. Griggs said the firm sees more opportunities in the digital assets space.

The company is pitching clients on stablecoin use cases. PwC believes stablecoins can improve payment system efficiency for banks and fintech companies.

Big Four Accounting Firms in Crypto

All four major accounting firms now offer crypto services. Deloitte provides blockchain strategy and consulting work for clients.

Deloitte partners with Ava Labs, Bitwave, and Chainalysis. These partnerships help the firm deliver blockchain services to customers.

Ernst & Young offers crypto strategy and tax support. The firm helps clients navigate digital asset regulations and reporting requirements.

KPMG provides crypto audits and cybersecurity services. The company also runs an advisory network for blockchain clients.

PwC’s global revenues reached $56.9 billion as of October. The firm sees crypto as a growing part of its business model going forward.

President Donald Trump’s reelection shifted the regulatory tone in Washington. Federal agencies have taken a more welcoming approach to cryptocurrency companies since then.