Bitcoin is taking another step toward mainstream acceptance in Brazil. Itaú Asset Management, the investment arm of Itaú Unibanco, the country’s largest private bank, has advised its clients to consider allocating between 1% and 3% of their investment portfolios to Bitcoin starting in 2026. While the suggested percentage is modest, the importance of this move lies in the source of the recommendation rather than the size of the allocation.
Itaú manages assets worth more than one trillion reais on behalf of individuals, businesses, and institutions. When a bank of this scale publicly includes Bitcoin in its long-term investment outlook, it sends a clear signal that digital assets are no longer viewed as fringe instruments. Instead, Bitcoin is increasingly being treated as a legitimate asset that can sit alongside stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments.
Itaú’s guidance is built on cautious and well-established investment principles. The bank does not present Bitcoin as a quick-profit opportunity or a replacement for traditional assets. Instead, it views Bitcoin as a possible supporting asset that may improve portfolio balance over time.
One reason for this view is Bitcoin’s historical tendency to move differently from many traditional investments. Although prices can be volatile, Bitcoin has often shown lower correlation with local equities and fixed-income assets in Brazil. This means that, in some situations, Bitcoin’s performance may not follow the same pattern as other holdings, which can help reduce overall portfolio risk when used in small amounts.
Another factor is Brazil’s history of currency fluctuations. Investors in the country are familiar with periods of sharp changes in the value of the real. Itaú frames Bitcoin as a limited hedge against these currency risks, rather than a guarantee of protection. By keeping the allocation small, the bank aims to provide exposure without exposing investors to excessive volatility.
The suggested allocation range of 1% to 3% reflects a disciplined approach. In investment terms, this is often described as a complementary position rather than a core holding. Such an allocation is unlikely to dominate portfolio performance, either positively or negatively, but it can contribute to diversification over the long term. Itaú’s message is clear, Bitcoin exposure should be planned carefully, held patiently, and integrated into a broader investment strategy. This guidance avoids encouraging short-term trading or emotional decision-making, which have historically led to losses for many retail investors.
This recommendation is not coming out of nowhere. Itaú has been quietly preparing for greater involvement in digital assets over the past few years. In 2025, the bank established a dedicated crypto unit and appointed leadership with experience in digital asset management. This move placed crypto within the same organizational structure as other established asset classes.
Brazilian investors already have access to regulated Bitcoin products linked to Itaú, including exchange-traded funds that track Bitcoin prices without requiring direct ownership. These products allow investors to gain exposure through familiar investment vehicles, reducing operational and security concerns.
Although the size of Itaú’s crypto-related assets remains small compared to its overall business, the systems are in place for future growth. This foundation makes the 2026 guidance more credible, as it is supported by real products and regulatory alignment.
Bitcoin’s Growing Role in Brazil’s Long-Term Investment Strategy
Itaú’s guidance shows that Bitcoin is slowly moving from the edges of the financial world into structured, long-term investment planning in Brazil. By recommending a small and controlled allocation, the bank is encouraging investors to approach digital assets with patience, balance, and clear risk awareness rather than speculation.
As major banks begin treating Bitcoin like a standard portfolio component, should long-term investors start rethinking how digital assets fit into their own financial plans?
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About the Author: John Brok
