Itaú Asset Management, the investment arm of Brazil’s largest private bank, has recommended that investors allocate between 1% and 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin in 2026. In a recent research note, the firm cited geopolitical uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and persistent currency risk as factors strengthening Bitcoin’s role as a complementary asset.
According to Itaú, Bitcoin offers diversification benefits due to its low correlation with traditional asset classes such as equities, fixed income, and domestic markets. Renato Eid, a portfolio manager at Itaú Asset, said the asset’s global and decentralized nature gives it potential value as a currency hedge, despite its volatility over the past year.
The recommendation comes as Itaú continues to expand its digital asset presence. The bank recently launched a dedicated crypto unit and has broadened its offerings to include Bitcoin exchange-traded products and retirement funds with crypto exposure, signaling growing institutional acceptance of digital assets in Brazil.
