Goldman Sachs Doubles Crypto Trading Desk, Hires 30 from Competitors
Wall Street's most watched crypto desk is scaling aggressively. We talked to insiders about what's driving the expansion.
James Blackwood
Institutional Markets · March 14, 2026
Goldman Sachs has doubled the headcount of its digital assets trading desk, hiring over 30 professionals from competing banks, crypto-native firms, and traditional trading backgrounds. The expansion signals renewed conviction in institutional crypto demand.
What We Know
**Headcount**: The desk has grown from ~25 to 55+ since January 2026.
**Hires**: Notable additions include senior traders from JPMorgan's crypto unit, Coinbase Institutional, and Jump Crypto.
**Products**: Focus areas include spot crypto OTC, derivatives, and structured products for institutional clients.
Why Now?
Sources cite several drivers:
- **Client Demand**: Hedge funds and family offices are requesting crypto exposure through trusted counterparties.
- **Competitive Pressure**: JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Citi have all expanded crypto capabilities.
- **Regulatory Clarity**: The SEC's recent guidance on custody has removed a key blocker.
Career Implications
Goldman's hiring spree creates a ripple effect. When top talent moves, it opens roles at the firms they leave. We're tracking elevated hiring at:
- JPMorgan Digital Assets
- Bank of America Crypto Research
- Citi Digital Asset Markets
If you're in TradFi and crypto-curious, the major banks are finally building teams worth joining.