UniCredit Hunts Tech Partner for Crypto Custody and Brokerage Infrastructure

UniCredit is seeking a technology provider to build direct digital asset custody and brokerage infrastructure. This move will enable the bank to support crypto-asset exposure, tokenized investment products, fixed-income securities, and stablecoin-related tools for its clients.

The Italian bank has already invested in companies building blockchain infrastructure for traditional financial instruments, including BlockInvest, VC Trade, and Qivalis, a consortium developing a regulated euro stablecoin. However, the new custody and brokerage technology will fill a different gap by providing infrastructure through which clients can hold and transact digital assets.

The chosen provider's technical capabilities will reveal UniCredit's intentions for its crypto services, with a system centered on Bitcoin and Ethereum suggesting a conventional institutional crypto brokerage model or support for tokenized bonds and stablecoins indicating a wider capital markets architecture.