UniCredit seeks technology partners for crypto trading and custody infrastructure

Italian bank UniCredit SpA is exploring an expansion into digital assets, with early-stage plans to build custody, brokerage, and tokenized investment infrastructure. The financial institution is currently selecting an external technology partner to facilitate the holding, buying, and selling of cryptocurrencies. This move aligns UniCredit with a broader global banking trend, as institutions like U.S. Bank, Standard Chartered, and Leumi also launch digital asset and stablecoin services.

UniCredit digital asset infrastructure plans

• ▪UniCredit SpA's digital asset plans include tokenized investment infrastructure for issuing and managing real-world and financial assets on blockchain networks.
• ▪UniCredit SpA's digital asset plans include exploring tokenized investment products and stablecoin-based fixed-income securities.
• ▪Italian bank UniCredit SpA is in the early stages of planning to expand its offerings into digital assets, including custody and brokerage capabilities.

Technology provider selection process

• ▪As of September 11, 2026, UniCredit SpA has not publicly disclosed specific plans, potential partners, or a timeline for launching its digital asset services.
• ▪UniCredit SpA is in the process of selecting an external technology provider to build the infrastructure needed to hold, buy, and sell digital assets.

Banking sector crypto adoption trend

• ▪Standard Chartered launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates on September 3, 2026.
• ▪Israel's Leumi bank partnered with Galaxy Digital in August 2026 to offer Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana trading through its investment platform by early 2027.