Brazil’s largest private bank advises investors to allocate 3% to Bitcoin in 2026

Itaú Asset Management, the investment arm of Brazil's largest private bank, Itaú Unibanco, has advised investors to allocate between 1% and 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin in 2026. Renato Eid of Itaú Asset argued that global geopolitical tension, shifting monetary policy, and currency risks strengthen the case for Bitcoin as a distinct, complementary asset with hedging functions. This recommendation comes despite Bitcoin's volatility, which has been acutely felt by Brazilian investors due to the local currency's strengthening. The bank cited internal data showing low correlation between its locally listed Bitcoin ETF (BITI11) and other major asset classes, supporting the idea that a modest BTC position improves portfolio balance and diversification. Furthermore, Itaú Asset recently launched a dedicated crypto division to expand its digital-asset offerings, including plans for a broader suite of products.

(Source：Cointelegraph)