Italian lender UniCredit is evaluating a broader move into digital assets, including tokenized investment products and crypto-related services that could eventually be offered to clients.
The discussions remain early and no final choices have been made, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Milan-based bank is reviewing technology providers that could supply systems for holding digital assets and supporting purchases and sales.
Such infrastructure would go beyond the limited crypto-linked offerings UniCredit has already made available to professional investors and corporations.
Potential uses under review include tokenized investment products, tokenized fixed-income securities, client applications for stablecoins, and channels that would let customers obtain cryptocurrency exposure.
Tokenization involves issuing and transferring conventional assets on blockchain networks rather than through traditional ledgers.
UniCredit has already taken steps in that direction.
Late last year it arranged Italy’s first tokenized minibond on a public blockchain.
Earlier this year it offered professional clients a structured product linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, giving...