Brazil’s largest private bank Itaú Unibanco is urging people to carve out 1% to 3% of their portfolios for Bitcoin heading into 2026.
Yeah, turns out Itaú Unibanco sees real value in Bitcoin as a smart add-on amid all the global chaos.
In a new report Renato Eid from Itaú Asset laid it out plain and simple that with geopolitical headaches, flip-flopping monetary policies, and sneaky currency risks lurking everywhere, Bitcoin steps up as that unique player in your lineup.
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Eid describes it as totally separate from your usual bonds, stocks, or local plays as it’s got its own vibe, serious upside potential, and thanks to being global and decentralized, it doubles as a handy currency shield.
This nudge from the banking giant comes even after Bitcoin’s wild ride this year. Kicking off 2025 around $95,000, it dipped toward $80,000 during that tariff mess, skyrocketed to a jaw-dropping $125,000 peak, and now chills near $90,000.
But as far as Brazilian investors are concerned, the real’s roughly 15% surge made those swings feel even sharper locally.
Yet Eid pushes back hard that a steady, modest Bitcoin stake can actually calm those storms that traditional stuff just can’t touch. They are convinced that slotting in about 1% to 3% lets you tap into true diversification of your investment.
Itaú Unibanco Doubles Down with a Full-On Crypto Push
Back in September, the bank ramped things up by launching a dedicated crypto division at Itaú Asset. They brought in João Marco Braga da Cunha, the savvy former Hashdex exec, to steer the ship.
This move builds straight on what Itaú Unibanco already offers, like that BITI11 Bitcoin ETF and retirement funds with some crypto kick.
As we speak, they’re eyeing a whole lineup from steady fixed-income vibes to thrill-ride options like derivatives and staking. It’s clear Itaú Unibanco isn’t just dipping toes; they’re diving in to give investors more ways to play the crypto game smartly.
