TL;DR
- Infrastructure Plans: UniCredit is evaluating a technology provider to build digital asset trading, custody and tokenization systems, with discussions still in early stages.
- Service Expansion: UniCredit is considering crypto custody, brokerage, tokenized investments and stablecoin‑based fixed‑income products.
- Industry Momentum: Global banks including U.S. Bank, Standard Chartered and Leumi are advancing stablecoin payments, spot crypto trading and tokenized products.
UniCredit is evaluating a technology provider that could help the Italian lender build infrastructure for digital asset trading, custody and tokenized investment products. The discussions remain in early stages, but the bank is examining how a dedicated partner could supply systems for holding digital assets, supporting transactions and enabling exposure to stablecoins and tokenized securities.
UniCredit assesses broader digital asset expansion
People familiar with the matter said UniCredit is exploring an expansion that would move beyond the individual crypto‑linked products it has offered professional investors. The bank is reviewing how a provider could deliver the technology required to custody digital assets and facilitate trading, creating a foundation for multiple services rather than a single investment product.
Areas under consideration include crypto custody, brokerage capabilities, tokenized investment products and stablecoin‑based fixed‑income securities. UniCredit is also evaluating how clients could use stablecoins or gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through the new infrastructure.
The bank has already tested crypto exposure through traditional investment products. In July 2025, it introduced a structured certificate linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF for professional clients in Italy. The five‑year, dollar‑denominated product offered full capital protection at maturity and allowed eligible investors to participate in Bitcoin‑linked returns without holding the cryptocurrency directly.
Global banks accelerate digital asset initiatives
UniCredit’s exploration comes as major banks expand their digital asset capabilities. U.S. Bank recently completed a live cross‑border payment using its proprietary USBDC stablecoin. Standard Chartered launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates after rolling out digital asset custody services in 2024. Israel’s largest bank, Leumi, partnered with Galaxy Digital to offer Bitcoin, Ether and Solana trading through its investment platform, with the launch expected in early 2027.
Tokenization and future infrastructure
UniCredit has focused its digital asset activity on professional and corporate clients, but building custody and brokerage technology could give the lender another route for offering digital assets through its existing operations. The bank has taken a similar approach to blockchain‑based securities, issuing Italy’s first tokenized minibond on a public blockchain last year. Its latest discussions include tokenized fixed‑income securities as one of the possible uses for the new infrastructure, though specific services may change as talks continue.
