Advertise
- Zafar Naik
Zafar Naik
- Reviewed by:
Qadir AKQadir Ak is the founder of Coinpedia. He has over a decade of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2010. He has also interviewed a few prominent experts within the cryptocurrency space.
- Jan 23, 2026 11:49 UTC
-
JUST IN: UBS to Offer Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading in Major Crypto Push
UBS is preparing to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, signaling a major shift.
Rising demand from high-net-worth clients is pushing the world’s largest wealth manager closer to digital assets.
After years of caution, UBS’s crypto plans hint at broader institutional adoption ahead.
UBS is getting into crypto.
The Swiss banking giant is planning to let select private banking clients trade Bitcoin and Ethereum, Bloomberg reported. UBS manages around $4.7 trillion in assets, making it the world’s largest wealth manager. The bank has been talking to potential partners for several months but has not finalized its rollout plan yet.
Swiss private bank clients will get access first. UBS may expand the offering to Asia-Pacific and the United States later.
Why UBS Is Changing Its Crypto Stance
UBS has stayed away from crypto for years. The bank called it a “limited segment of digital assets” and avoided direct offerings because of regulatory uncertainty.
That position is now shifting.
Wealthy clients want exposure to digital assets. Competitors like JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley have already made moves in the space. UBS is feeling the pressure.
CEO Sergio Ermotti has said blockchain is central to the future of traditional banking. He pointed to its efficiency and scalability as key reasons.
UBS Has Been Building Blockchain Infrastructure
This is not UBS’s first step into blockchain.
In November 2024, the bank launched UBS Digital Cash. It is a private blockchain pilot for multi-currency cross-border payments.
UBS also runs UBS Tokenize, which allows on-chain issuance of tokenized financial products. The bank launched the first tokenized money market fund on Ethereum through this initiative.
These projects show UBS sees long-term value in blockchain technology. Direct crypto trading for clients is the next step.
What Happens Now
UBS is still selecting partners and has not set a launch date. The bank says it is monitoring market dynamics and exploring initiatives that fit client needs and regulatory requirements.
If UBS moves forward, it will become the largest traditional wealth manager to offer direct crypto access. That could push other private banks to follow.
The details are not final but the direction is clear.
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
FAQs
Clients who prefer traditional assets are unlikely to see changes to their portfolios. Crypto access is expected to be optional, not a default allocation.
If UBS proceeds, rivals may feel pressure to accelerate their own crypto offerings to retain high-net-worth clients seeking diversification and innovation.
Cross-border compliance, custody standards, and investor protection rules vary by region. These factors will shape how quickly UBS can expand beyond Switzerland.
Ultra-high-net-worth clients gain regulated access through a trusted institution. UBS also benefits by strengthening client retention and modernizing its wealth platform.
Trust with CoinPedia:
CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:
All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:
Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
Yes 
No 
