Itaú Asset: Allocate 1–3% to Bitcoin in 2026 for Diversification
Itaú Asset Management, the investment arm of Brazil’s largest private bank, Itaú Unibanco, has advised investors to allocate 1% to 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin in 2026. In a research note, Renato Eid said that ongoing geopolitical tensions, changing monetary policy, and persistent currency risks strengthen the case for Bitcoin (BTC) as a complementary asset.
Eid described Bitcoin as “an asset distinct from fixed income, traditional stocks, or domestic markets, with its own dynamics, return potential, and — due to its global and decentralized nature — a currency hedging function.”
The recommendation follows a volatile year for Bitcoin. The asset started 2025 near $95,000, declined toward $80,000 during the tariff crisis, rose to a record high of $125,000, and later eased back to around $95,000.
Bitcoin may support portfolio stability during currency fluctuations
Brazilian investors experienced sharper swings than global participants due to currency moves. The Brazilian real appreciated by about 15% this year, increasing local-market losses for some investors. Eid argued that a small, steady allocation to Bitcoin can help mitigate risks that traditional assets do not hedge. Citing internal data, he noted a low correlation between BITI11, the bank’s locally listed Bitcoin ETF, and other major asset classes, supporting the case for a modest BTC position to enhance portfolio balance.
The bank said that an allocation of around 1% to 3% allows investors to benefit from diversification.
Itaú Asset forms dedicated crypto division
In September, Itaú Asset established a standalone crypto unit and appointed former Hashdex executive João Marco Braga da Cunha to lead it. The unit builds on Itaú’s existing digital-asset offerings, including its Bitcoin ETF and a retirement fund with crypto exposure.
Itaú also plans to expand its product lineup, ranging from fixed-income-style instruments to higher-volatility strategies such as derivatives and staking.
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