It has been reported that UniCredit, Italy’s second largest banking institution, is contemplating an expansion into digital asset offerings, including custody services.
A recent report by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation, indicates that the Milan-based bank is in the process of selecting a technology provider to establish the necessary infrastructure for managing digital assets, as well as facilitating their acquisition and sale.
Furthermore, Bloomberg’s report suggests that UniCredit is considering a variety of offerings, including tokenized investment products, fixed-income securities, stablecoin utilization, and exposure to cryptocurrencies.
JUST IN: Italy’s 2nd-largest bank UniCredit is considering offering crypto asset custody — Bloomberg
pic.twitter.com/NAZKJBdcES
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) September 11, 2026
This development aligns with the broader trend of European banks increasingly embracing cryptocurrency offerings. Notably, Spain has taken the lead in this space, with BBVA launching bitcoin trading and custody services directly to customers through its app, utilizing its own custody infrastructure. Following suit, Santander’s Openbank has introduced its own trading services.
Additionally, Cecabank, a Spanish custodian managing over €400 billion in assets and serving as a backbone for more than 100 financial institutions, commenced its crypto custody services in June through a collaboration with Bit2Me.
In Germany, Deutsche Bank is developing custody solutions utilizing technology from Bitpanda, while Taurus and DZ Bank secured approval from BaFin in January for their meinKrypto platform.
Recent regulatory developments within the European Union, specifically the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), provide banks with a defined legal framework, supervisory guidance, and a familiar set of obligations to offer crypto services.
UniCredit is one of 37 financial institutions across 15 European countries collaborating to establish a company named Qivalis, which aims to issue a euro-denominated stablecoin.
In the previous year, UniCredit announced that it was offering professional clients a structured product linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust exchange-traded fund, ensuring complete protection against potential losses.
Thank you for visiting our site. You can get the latest Information and Editorials on our site regarding bitcoins.
