Here’s the latest verified update about Brazil’s largest bank recommending a Bitcoin allocation:
📌 What Happened
Itaú Unibanco, the largest private bank in Brazil, through its investment arm Itaú Asset Management, has recommended that investors consider allocating between 1% and 3% of their investment portfolios to Bitcoin in 2026. This guidance is aimed at enhancing diversification and managing risk amid uncertain economic conditions.
🧠 Why the Recommendation
According to the bank’s research note:
Diversification: Bitcoin’s price movement shows low correlation with traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds, so a small allocation can help smooth overall portfolio risk.
Hedging Currency Risk: Bitcoin can act as a hedge against currency fluctuations — particularly relevant in markets like Brazil where the Brazilian real can be volatile.
Geopolitical and Macro Backdrop: Geopolitical tensions and shifting monetary policies are cited as reasons to consider non-traditional assets.
📈 Context and Market Conditions
Bitcoin experienced a volatile 2025, seeing swings from around ~$80,000 to an all-time high above $125,000 before settling near ~$90,000 — highlighting both its risks and potential rewards.
Itaú’s suggestion is modest and framed as part of a long-term investment strategy, not a call to make Bitcoin a core holding.
🧩 Broader Trend
This move places Itaú among other major financial institutions that are cautiously recommending small Bitcoin allocations (e.g., Bank of America, BlackRock) to clients for diversification.
If you’d like, I can summarize this into a quick takeaway for investors or explain risks and best practices for incorporating Bitcoin into a portfolio — just let me know!
