Italy's Largest Bank Increases Q1 Crypto Holdings to $235M, Adds Ethereum and XRP

KuCoinFlash

Release Time: 05/17/2026 07:35:54

Summary

Italy’s Fear & Greed Index reflects cautious optimism as Intesa Sanpaolo increased its Q1 crypto holdings to $235 million, up from $100 million at the end of 2025. The bank gained exposure to Ethereum through the BlackRock iShares Staked Ethereum Trust and purchased 165,600 shares of BitGo. Positions in the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, BlackRock IBIT, and Grayscale XRP Trust ETF were added, while Solana holdings were reduced and Bitmine was liquidated. A bullish options position in IBIT was also established.

Odaily Planet Daily reports that Italy’s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, will increase its holdings of crypto assets from approximately $100 million at the end of 2025 to approximately $235 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Among these, the institution increased its holdings in the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF and BlackRock’s IBIT, and for the first time allocated to Ethereum through BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust, while also adding approximately $26 million in holdings of the Grayscale XRP Trust ETF.

In addition, Intesa has established its first bullish position in IBIT options, added 165,600 shares of BitGo stock, and closed all positions related to Bitmine. Its allocations to Solana have been significantly reduced, with the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF holding declining from 266,300 shares to 2,817 shares.

Reports indicate that Intesa previously confirmed that the relevant crypto assets were primarily used for proprietary trading. Last month, Ripple also announced it would provide digital asset custody services for the bank. (Cointelegraph)

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