UniCredit Seeks Partner for Crypto Trading and Custody Infrastructure

crypto trading and custody — Italian banking giant UniCredit is reportedly in early-stage discussions to find a technology partner to build infrastructure for crypto trading, custody, and tokenized investment products.

According to a Bloomberg report cited by Cointelegraph, the bank’s areas of interest include developing crypto custody and brokerage capabilities, as well as offering tokenized investment products and stablecoin-based fixed-income securities. UniCredit has not publicly commented on which technology provider might fill this role.

Major Banks Expand Digital Asset Services

The move by UniCredit aligns with a broader trend of major financial institutions expanding into digital assets. This week, U.S. Bank completed a live cross-border payment using its proprietary stablecoin, USBDC.

Earlier in September, Standard Chartered launched spot Bitcoin and Ether trading for institutional clients in the United Arab Emirates, building on custody services it launched there in 2024. In August, Israel’s Bank Leumi partnered with Galaxy Digital to offer Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana trading through its platform, with a launch expected in early 2027.