Itaú Unibanco, Brazil's largest private bank, has advised investors to hold 1-3% of their total portfolio in Bitcoin (BTC) by 2026. The bank believes that digital assets are playing a growing role in a global investment environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, shifting monetary policy, and increasing exchange rate risk.
In a recent research note, Itaú Asset Management analyzed Bitcoin's "structurally distinct characteristics" from traditional market assets. Renato Eid, Head of Research and author of the report, explained, "Bitcoin has a completely different structure and return profile from bonds, stocks, and domestic markets, and its global and decentralized nature allows it to hedge currency risk." He emphasized that these characteristics can be useful in risk-diversification portfolios.
This analysis aligns with the fact that Bitcoin attracted attention despite market volatility in 2025. BTC started at around $95,000 (approximately KRW 140.36 million) in early 2025 and then fell to $80,000 (approximately KRW 118.2 million) in mid-2025 due to the aftermath of the US tariff dispute. However, it subsequently rebounded to reach an all-time high of $125,000 (approximately KRW 184.69 million) and is currently back around the $95,000 level.
In recent years, Brazil has been increasingly embracing crypto investments, including Bitcoin, as institutional assets, leading to a growing number of institutional advisors and recommendations. Itau Asset Management's latest recommendation is seen as a signal to further solidify Bitcoin's position in the market.
🔎 Market Interpretation
The fact that a major Brazilian financial institution explicitly recommended Bitcoin as a portfolio diversification strategy demonstrates the institutionalization of crypto assets. Macroeconomic uncertainty and demand for currency hedging are supporting BTC's "alternative asset" function.
💡 Strategy Points
The 1-3% BTC allocation recommendation presented in institutional reports can serve as a new diversification standard even for conservative investors. The risk-hedging effect of digital assets is likely to be particularly pronounced in emerging market investment environments.
📘 Glossary
Itaú Unibanco: Brazil's largest private bank. Itaú Asset Management is its investment management subsidiary.
BTC: Short for Bitcoin. The world's first decentralized digital currency with a limited supply.
Currency Hedging: A risk management strategy to reduce losses due to fluctuations in foreign currency values.
TP AI Precautions
This article was summarized using a TokenPost.ai-based language model. Key points in the text may be omitted or inaccurate.
Get real-time news... Go to TokenPost Telegram
Copyright © TokenPost. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited.
