- Itaú maintains Bitcoin allocation guidance despite recent market swings and price pressure
- Major banks align on Bitcoin as a diversification tool during volatility
- Institutional crypto access expands as Itaú strengthens custody and trading services
Brazil’s largest private bank, Itaú Unibanco, has reaffirmed its confidence in Bitcoin despite ongoing pressure in the crypto market. In its latest outlook, the bank argued that exposure to digital assets can still be justified even during periods of heightened volatility. Itaú recommends that investors maintain a modest Bitcoin allocation of around 1% to 3% within a diversified portfolio, emphasizing that short-term price pullbacks do not negate potential long-term benefits.
At the time of the assessment, Bitcoin was trading near $90,519 on a USDT basis, reflecting a daily decline of roughly 2.1% and continued market instability. However, the bank stressed that volatility alone should not drive investment decisions. According to analyst Renato Eid, Bitcoin operates outside traditional market structures and does not consistently correlate with equities, bonds, or local assets.
This independence supports its role as a diversification tool, particularly during periods of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, even as sharp price swings remain unavoidable.
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Banks Align on Bitcoin’s Strategic Role
According to Itaú, Bitcoin’s performance in Brazil is closely tied to currency dynamics, particularly movements in the Brazilian real and the U.S. dollar. Periods of real appreciation have recently amplified losses for local Bitcoin investors, while earlier dollar strength allowed the cryptocurrency to function as a partial hedge and preserve value during times of currency stress. This relationship has reinforced Bitcoin’s perceived usefulness in volatile macroeconomic conditions.
At the same time, Itaú continues to expand its crypto infrastructure. The bank currently provides trading access to Bitcoin and Ethereum, with custody handled entirely in-house. Client assets are backed by Itaú’s balance sheet, emphasizing institutional-grade security, though transfers to external wallets are not yet permitted. The focus remains on simplicity, safety, and regulatory alignment rather than unrestricted self-custody.
Looking ahead, Itaú plans to add more cryptocurrencies gradually. Its cautious stance mirrors broader institutional trends, as firms like Morgan Stanley and Bank of America recommend modest crypto allocations, framing Bitcoin as a digital alternative to gold within diversified portfolios.
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