Intesa Sanpaolo’s Crypto Portfolio Hits $235M as Italy’s Biggest Bank Goes Deeper Into Digital Assets
Italy's largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, increased its crypto holdings to $235 million in Q1 2026 by expanding Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP investments.Summary
Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest bank, significantly expanded its cryptocurrency exposure in the first quarter of 2026, growing its portfolio from $100 million to $235 million. The bank increased its holdings in Bitcoin through ARK 21Shares and BlackRock ETFs, initiated its first Ethereum position via BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust, and invested approximately $26 million in XRP through the Grayscale XRP Trust ETF.
In addition to these assets, the bank engaged in its first crypto derivatives play by opening call options on the iShares Bitcoin Trust. While the bank expanded its footprint in crypto-related equities—increasing its stake in Coinbase and acquiring shares of BitGo—it simultaneously divested from the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF. This strategic pivot aligns with the bank's deepening ties to the digital asset sector, including a recent partnership with Ripple for custody services.
(Source：Cointelegraph)