It sounds like a strategy to counter the de-centralization movement. That's definitely the result, only question is whether its deliberate tactic or not.

That's a good question. I've seen comments somewhere that suggested this was an intentional move to centralize banking so as to make it easier to transition to a central bank digital currency (CBDC). I'm not sure I agree, but I suppose it's possible. A third possibility is that they bumbled their way into this mess and now see it as an opportunity to centralize.