UniCredit explores digital asset services and crypto infrastructure

UniCredit is exploring the development of infrastructure to support digital asset services, including custody, brokerage, and trading. The Italian lender is reportedly in the early stages of selecting a technology provider to facilitate these capabilities.

Potential services under discussion include tokenized investment products, fixed-income securities, stablecoin applications, and cryptocurrency exposure. These moves align with a broader trend among European financial institutions to adopt digital assets following the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation.

UniCredit has already engaged in several digital asset initiatives, such as offering a structured product tied to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF and issuing Italy’s first tokenized minibond on a public blockchain. Additionally, the bank has joined efforts to develop a euro-denominated stablecoin through Qivalis and recently acquired a minority stake in the German lending platform VC Trade to bolster its digital capital markets capabilities.