Itaú crypto division expands digital asset offerings
Itaú Asset Management has launched its first dedicated crypto division within its multi-desk investment structure, managing BRL117 billion across 15 desks. Led by former Hashdex executive João Marco Braga da Cunha, the Itaú crypto division will build on existing offerings, including the BITI11 Bitcoin ETF, BTC-linked retirement plans and the Itaú Bitcoin Index fund, which together hold over BRL850 million. Through its mobile app, Itaú also enables in-house custody and direct trading of 10 crypto pairs such as BTC, ETH, SOL and USDC. The new unit plans to roll out fixed-income-style digital asset products, higher-risk derivatives funds, staking vehicles and is exploring a proprietary stablecoin. This move underlines Itaú’s strategy to deepen its presence in Brazil’s growing crypto market—ranked tenth globally in adoption—supported by recent regulations and the launch of a spot XRP ETF. For crypto traders, the expanded Itaú crypto division means broader institutional-grade products and more liquidity options in Brazilian digital assets.
Bullish
The launch of Itaú’s dedicated crypto division by Brazil’s largest private asset manager is likely to drive increased institutional participation in digital assets, boosting demand and liquidity for major tokens. In the short term, traders may see fresh inflows into Bitcoin and Ethereum through new fixed-income and derivatives products, while staking and a potential stablecoin can attract yield-seeking investors. Over the long term, the institutional-grade infrastructure and expanded custody services should underpin market stability and foster broader adoption, creating sustained bullish momentum.