- UniCredit is evaluating technology for crypto custody and brokerage services.
- The bank is considering tokenized investments, fixed-income assets and stablecoins.
- UniCredit’s digital asset plans align with Europe’s expanding MiCA framework.
UniCredit is exploring an expansion of its digital asset business, including crypto custody, brokerage, tokenized investments and stablecoins. The Italian bank is evaluating technology infrastructure to support the plans, although discussions remain at an early stage.
The move could expand UniCredit’s existing crypto-related offerings and further integrate digital assets into its traditional banking services.
UniCredit Explores Crypto Custody and Brokerage
According to a Bloomberg report Friday, UniCredit is evaluating technology providers capable of supporting digital asset custody and trading. The infrastructure could allow clients to hold digital assets and facilitate purchases and sales through the bank’s existing channels.
However, the bank has not made a final decision on the provider or specific services. UniCredit could also change or abandon parts of the proposed strategy as discussions continue.
The potential expansion would build on UniCredit’s existing digital asset activity. In July 2025, the bank offered professional clients a structured product linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF.
That product provided exposure to Bitcoin through a traditional investment structure. As a result, clients could gain Bitcoin-linked returns without directly holding the cryptocurrency.
UniCredit also issued Italy’s first tokenized minibond on a public blockchain. The move demonstrated the bank’s interest in applying blockchain technology to conventional financial instruments.
Tokenized Assets and Stablecoins Gain Attention
Beyond cryptocurrency trading, UniCredit is considering tokenized investment products and fixed-income securities. The infrastructure could also support stablecoin applications and broader cryptocurrency exposure for clients.
The strategy aligns with the bank’s participation in Qivalis, a European banking consortium developing a euro-denominated stablecoin. Qivalis initially involved 10 banks but expanded to 37 institutions across 15 European countries.
The planned stablecoin is designed to maintain a 1:1 backing with euros. It is also expected to comply with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, subject to regulatory approval.
Qivalis selected Fireblocks in April to provide infrastructure covering tokenization, wallets and digital asset lifecycle management. The system also includes identity verification and sanctions screening capabilities.
The consortium is targeting the second half of 2026 for the stablecoin launch. However, the project remains subject to authorization from the Dutch central bank.
MiCA Shapes UniCredit’s Digital Asset Strategy
UniCredit’s plans emerge as European banks expand their digital asset operations under MiCA.
The framework establishes common requirements for crypto-asset services and stablecoin issuers across the European Union.
Several European lenders have already moved toward regulated custody, tokenization and blockchain-based settlement. Banca Sella, another Qivalis member, has received approval to provide crypto custody and transfer services.
Meanwhile, UniCredit continues developing its broader digital capital markets business. The bank recently acquired a minority stake in German lending-market platform VC Trade.
That investment supports UniCredit’s efforts to expand digital capital markets capabilities. Its search for digital asset infrastructure could complement that broader strategy.
For now, UniCredit has not disclosed the technology providers under consideration, project costs or implementation timeline. The bank also has not confirmed whether it will ultimately launch custody, brokerage, stablecoin or tokenized securities services.
Be the first to comment