Wall Street is making a decisive turn toward cryptocurrencies. Bank of America, one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, has issued new guidance encouraging clients to include digital assets in their investment portfolios, reflecting the growing institutional adoption of crypto.
Bank of America Signals a Strategic Shift Toward Crypto
Starting January 5, financial advisors from Bank of America Private Bank, Merrill, and Merrill Edge will begin recommending that clients allocate between 1% and 4% of their portfolios to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. These investments will be made through selected crypto ETPs, with no minimum asset requirements.
This change allows advisors to act as actively involved portfolio managers, rather than merely executing crypto-related orders. Chris Hyzy, Chief Investment Officer at Merrill, believes that even a small allocation can be suitable for most investors.
“For investors with a strong interest in thematic innovation and an understanding of higher volatility, a modest allocation of 1% to 4% to digital assets may be appropriate,” Hyzy said.
These products provide exposure to cryptocurrencies without the risks associated with self-custody, which explains their growing popularity among traditional investors.
Regulatory Pressure Eases, Adoption Accelerates
This move follows a broader easing of regulatory tensions around digital assets. With U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a less restrictive regulatory environment, financial institutions have become increasingly open to embracing crypto as a legitimate asset class. Nevertheless, Bank of America cautioned clients that market volatility remains a defining characteristic of digital assets.
“The link between adoption and long-term value is real, but not guaranteed, and periods of speculative excess can push prices far beyond actual utility,” Merrill noted.
Notably, Bank of America has also collaborated with institutions such as Citi and Goldman Sachs on the development of digital tokens representing major global currencies.
Institutional Adoption Gains Momentum Across the Sector
A major regulatory catalyst has further fueled this shift. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently approved the inclusion of selected crypto assets on U.S. banks’ balance sheets. These approved assets include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, which banks may also use to cover blockchain network fees.
This decision opens the door for national banks to directly hold and utilize cryptocurrencies for settlement purposes.
Meanwhile:
Deutsche Bank plans to launch its crypto custody service later this year in cooperation with Bitpanda and Taurus SA, reinforcing its commitment to digital asset infrastructure.PNC Bank has become the first major U.S. bank to offer eligible customers direct spot Bitcoin trading, allowing them to buy, sell, and hold BTC directly through the bank’s platform.
A Structural Shift on Wall Street?
Bank of America’s move highlights a deeper transformation underway in the financial sector. What was once considered fringe or speculative is now being actively recommended by one of the most influential banks in the world. As regulatory barriers soften and institutional infrastructure expands, cryptocurrencies are increasingly positioning themselves as a permanent component of modern investment portfolios.
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,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“