Itaú Unibanco Holding SA, the largest private bank in Latin America, has issued a recommendation for its clients. The financial organization advised allocating up to 3% of the investment portfolio to Bitcoin ahead of 2026.
The bank positions cryptocurrency not as a speculative asset, but as a hedging tool against the devaluation of the Brazilian real.
Reasons for changing the investment strategy
Analysts from the credit organization published a strategic note. It indicates that investors are currently facing a double challenge. First, there is global price uncertainty in the markets. Second, there are strong fluctuations in the national currency exchange rate.
These conditions require a reassessment of capital formation approaches. Therefore, the bank recommends maintaining the weight of Bitcoin in the range of 1% to 3%. This approach will allow for returns that do not correlate with internal economic cycles.
"Bitcoin is an asset distinct from fixed-income instruments, traditional stocks, or domestic markets. It has its own dynamics and potential for returns. Due to its global and decentralized nature, it serves as a currency hedging tool," noted Itaú.
The role of digital assets in risk management
Itaú experts emphasize an important nuance. The first cryptocurrency should not become the foundation of a portfolio. The bank defines this asset as a supplementary investment. Its volume should be calibrated in strict accordance with the specific investor's risk profile.
The main goal of the strategy is to capture returns that are not tied to the local economy. Additionally, it provides partial protection against the decline in the purchasing power of fiat money. Investors also retain the opportunity to benefit from the long-term growth in the value of the coin.
The financial organization has noted the low correlation between Bitcoin and traditional asset classes. Analysts assert that an allocation of 1–3% will enhance diversification. At the same time, the overall portfolio risk will not exceed acceptable values.
The proposed approach requires investors to be moderate and disciplined. The bank strongly recommends focusing on a long-term horizon. Responding to short-term price fluctuations should be avoided.
"Attempts to find the 'perfect time' to enter assets such as Bitcoin or other international markets are risky. Often, such actions lead to counterproductive results," warned bank specialists.
The established limit of 3% corresponds to advanced global practices. This recommendation narrows the gap between the approaches of Latin American and American financiers. Previously, large U.S. banks such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America advised clients to allocate up to 4% of funds to the flagship digital asset.
However, for Brazilian investors, the situation has its peculiarities. Representatives of Itaú note the shortening of economic cycles and the increase in external shocks. In such conditions, the 'hybrid nature' of Bitcoin favorably distinguishes it from classical instruments.
The bank describes the first cryptocurrency as a combination of a high-risk asset and a global savings vehicle. This combination offers financial stability that fixed-income instruments can no longer fully guarantee.
