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UniCredit Dives into Bitcoin with a 100% Capital-Protected, 5-Year Crypto Certificate
- UniCredit launches Italy’s first Bitcoin-linked structured certificate for professional clients.
- Linked to BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, with 100% capital protection and 85% capped return.
- Five-year, US$25,000 minimum investment, available 1–28 July.
UniCredit is offering a five-year, dollar-denominated certificate linked to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), providing 100% capital protection at maturity and capped returns based on the ETF’s performance.
The certificate, available from 1 to 28 July, requires a minimum investment of US$25,000 (AU$38,000). It is available only to professional clients in Italy and gives them exposure to Bitcoin without direct crypto handling or wallet management. Returns are limited to 85% of IBIT’s gains over five years, balancing potential upside with downside protection.
BlackRock’s IBIT, launched in January 2024, has become one of the largest spot Bitcoin ETFs globally, holding over US$75 billion (AU$114 billion) in assets. The fund has seen consistent institutional inflows and serves as the underlying asset for UniCredit’s new product.
Chicco di Stasi, Head of Group Investment Product Solutions and Equity & Credit Sales and Trading at UniCredit said the bank is responding to increasing demand from investors for instruments tied to emerging assets like crypto.
With this product, we offer our professional clients a distinctive solution – the first of its kind in Italy.
Chicco di Stasi, Head of Group Investment Product Solutions and Equity & Credit Sales and Trading at UniCredit Related: BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Records Best Month Ever, Hitting Ten Consecutive Days of Inflows
Crypto Services Expand Across Europe
The initiative reflects a broader trend among European banks. Intesa Sanpaolo entered the spot Bitcoin market in January 2025 and operates a digital asset trading desk. Banco Santander is exploring early-stage crypto services for its digital banking clients. Earlier this year, BlackRock also launched a Bitcoin ETF in Europe via Euronext Paris and Xetra.
UniCredit’s certificate lets investors participate in the growth of Bitcoin via a regulated structure managed by a traditional bank and a globally recognised asset manager. The move underlines efforts to blend financial innovation with capital safety amid growing institutional appetite.
Related: Italian Finance Minister Warns: Trump’s Crypto Policy ‘Dangerous’
Author
Rachel Lourdesamy
Rachel is a freelance writer based in Sydney with experience within financial services, marketing, and corporate communications in the APAC region. An avid reader and a graduate of the University of Sydney, she covers topics including business, finance and human interest.
