PwC, an auditing and tax firm, adds crypto auditing services to its offerings

From cautious to full expansion

In the past, PwC (as well as other Big Four firms) maintained a cautious stance toward cryptocurrency clients due to regulatory uncertainty, enforcement risks, and the challenges of building repeatable compliance processes. The firm has offered limited blockchain assurance tools globally—such as its proprietary Halo solution (launched years ago) for verifying ownership, balances, and transactions of cryptocurrencies across major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and various ERC-20 tokens—but operations in the United States have remained limited.

The turning point will come in 2025–2026:

• The passage of the GENIUS Act established federal rules for stablecoin payments, including reserve and oversight requirements.

• The broader legal stance in favor of cryptocurrencies reduces perceived enforcement risks.

• There is a growing customer demand for guidance on tokenization, stablecoin payments, and digital asset accounting.

Griggs emphasized that clearer rules on stablecoins and tokenization create "stronger confidence" among institutions in adopting these technologies. PwC is now actively introducing to its clients how stablecoins can improve payment efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance liquidity – areas where the traditional banking system still lags behind.

Highlights of auditing services

PwC's expansion into the United States complements its long-standing global capabilities (e.g., in Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Luxembourg) and positions the firm to serve a diverse client base: cryptocurrency exchanges, stablecoin issuers, mining companies, tokenized asset platforms, and traditional corporations exploring digital integration. These categories include:

Auditing & Assurance

• Auditing financial statements for companies operating in the cryptocurrency sector; verifying assets held, traded, and controlled.

• Clients include Bitcoin mining company MARA Holdings (appointed by PwC in 2025).

Tax consulting

• Compliance with regulations regarding digital asset transactions, income reporting, and structure.

• Addressing the complex issues surrounding cryptocurrency taxation in the United States.

Advise

• Strategy for blockchain/cryptocurrency; risk management; regulatory compliance.

• Focus on stablecoin use cases and payment optimization.

Internal development

• Re-employ specialists (e.g., Cheryl Lesnik as a partner); Strengthen internal and external resources.

• The task forces combine expertise in accounting and blockchain.

Initial verification of crypto assets

PwC's shift reinforces the Big Four's trend toward normalizing cryptocurrency: Deloitte has been auditing Coinbase since 2020 and announced a comprehensive cryptocurrency accounting roadmap in May 2025.

KPMG has declared 2025 as a "turning point" for the adoption and aggressive marketing of cryptocurrency compliance/risk management services.

This collective adoption signals that digital assets are moving from the fringes to the mainstream. With stablecoin market capitalization exceeding $250 billion by the end of 2025 and tokenization pilot projects reaching multi-billion dollar valuations, trusted auditing firms like PwC provide the necessary governance bridge for institutional scale.

This move is also positive for market sentiment: The Big Four's endorsement lowers barriers for corporations, banks, and asset managers to participate in cryptocurrency infrastructure—potentially accelerating capital flows into Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenized real assets.

Assessment and Conclusion

PwC's decision to "invest heavily"—including hiring new personnel, retaining existing cryptocurrency audit clients, and proactively reaching out to clients—marks a pivotal moment in the maturation of the digital asset ecosystem. What began as a cautious experiment has evolved into a strategic opportunity, driven by favorable regulations and undeniable client demand.

As we move further into 2026, expect PwC and its competitors to play a central role in legitimizing cryptocurrencies within traditional finance—treasury auditing, tokenization advisory, and regulatory compliance assurance on a large scale. This is no longer a side project; it's a core growth driver for the world's leading professional services firms.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the field of cryptocurrency. This is not financial or investment advice. All investment decisions should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official stance of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with experts before making any investment decisions.

Compiled and analyzed by HCCVenture

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