CRYPTOCURRENCY startup Blockchain.com is interviewing banks for an initial public offering (IPO) that could take place as soon as this year, according to people familiar with the matter.

An IPO might not happen until next year and the company's plans could change, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private.

A representative for the company declined to comment.

Blockchain.com, a rival to cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global, said in March that it was valued at about US$14 billion in a funding round. That financing was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with major participation from Baillie Gifford & Co, Blockchain.com said.

The Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index has fallen 19 per cent this year, compared with 6.5 per cent for the S&P 500.

Coinbase continues to expand after going public through a direct listing last April, though its shares have lost about 60 per cent of their value since their debut trades. Other crypto firms are angling for public markets, including Binance.US whose chief executive officer has said in September that he foresees an IPO in 2 or 3 years.

Founded in 2011, Blockchain.com allows users to buy and store digital tokens such as Bitcoin and is led by chief executive officer Peter Smith.

This month it launched an asset-management service, called BCAM, that will cater to institutional investors, family offices and high-net worth individuals. It was created in partnership with Altis Partners, an investment firm that manages futures portfolios. While Blockchain.com powers BCAM, Altis provides investment management.

BCAM, which will track the price of Bitcoin versus the US dollar, will also focus on reducing the volatility that comes with investing in Bitcoin by offering "algorithm-based risk-managed exposure" to the currency. BLOOMBERG