Crypto oriented capital investment

Intesa Sanpaolo increases its

Intesa Sanpaolo is increasing its presence in digital assets, focusing on spot cryptocurrency trading.

Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's leading banking institution, has announced a significant expansion of its digital asset activities, including spot cryptocurrency trading. This move represents another step forward in the bank's initiatives, which already involve derivatives such as options, futures, and cryptocurrency ETFs through its corporate and investment banking division. These activities are part of the bank's broader strategies to integrate blockchain technology and innovate its services.

According to internal sources reported by Bloomberg, Intesa has completed the technical preparations and received the necessary approvals to enter the spot market.

A key element of this expansion is the collaboration with Ripple Custody, formerly known as Metaco, to support the custody of tokenized digital assets. Cassie Craddock, CEO of Ripple for the UK and Europe, confirmed the agreement, emphasizing that Intesa is ready to manage assets in digital format. However, the bank remains tight-lipped about the specific details of its operations.

Currently, Intesa's cryptocurrency trading activities focus on proprietary trading, meaning transactions made with its own capital, without involving clients. However, these operations lay the groundwork for a potential future direct engagement with institutional clients.

This expansion coincides with a favorable context: Italy is considering a tax revision that could ease the taxation on cryptocurrencies, making the sector more competitive. Additionally, the European Union is working on introducing the first comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, known as MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets), which could stimulate greater involvement from traditional financial institutions.

Intesa is no stranger to pioneering initiatives. In July 2024, the bank participated as the sole institutional investor in Cassa Depositi e Prestiti's digital bond issuance, a significant step in the adoption of digital assets in Italy

This expansion strategy reflects a broader trend among global financial institutions. Giants like BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are making heavy investments in cryptocurrencies: BlackRock, for example, manages over $42 billion in a Bitcoin-based ETF, while JPMorgan is implementing instant forex settlement solutions through blockchain technology.

In parallel, on November 12, 2024, Fideuram Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking announced a strategic partnership with BlackRock to strengthen digital wealth management in Europe, initially focusing on Belgium and Luxembourg. Through this collaboration, Intesa aims to expand its client base by offering innovative services such as digital brokerage, hybrid advisory, and discretionary portfolio management.

Intesa Sanpaolo's commitment to the digital asset sector underscores its determination to lead financial innovation in Italy and Europe, positioning itself as a leader in a rapidly evolving market.