UBS to Offer Cryptocurrency Trading to Select Private Banking Clients in Targeted Digital-Asset Expansion

Wealth Manager Prepares Limited Crypto Access as Client Demand Grows

TL;DR

• UBS plans to make cryptocurrency investing available to a subset of private banking clients.
• The initiative was disclosed on Jan. 23, 2026, and remains under development with no launch date announced.
• The move marks a strategic shift for the world’s largest wealth manager by assets toward direct digital-asset exposure.

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UBS Group disclosed on Jan. 23, 2026, that it is preparing to make cryptocurrency investing and trading available to some private banking clients, according to reporting citing people familiar with the matter. The initiative would represent one of the most concrete steps yet by the world’s largest wealth manager by assets to integrate digital assets into its core wealth-management offering, with access expected to be limited rather than broadly rolled out.

The planned service is being designed for a select group of private clients, rather than the bank’s entire wealth customer base, as UBS evaluates how to incorporate crypto assets within its existing risk and compliance frameworks. The bank has not announced a specific launch date, nor has it detailed which cryptocurrencies or investment structures would be included when the offering becomes available.

Reporting on the plans indicated that UBS is exploring both direct cryptocurrency investments and structured investment products, rather than restricting access solely to indirect exposure vehicles. The approach reflects internal discussions focused on balancing client demand for crypto exposure with the bank’s historically conservative stance toward volatile asset classes.

Client interest has been cited as a central factor behind the decision to advance crypto-related services, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking broader portfolio diversification. UBS has previously allowed limited exposure through certain products, but the new initiative would expand access beyond earlier constraints.

The digital-asset push comes as UBS continues to reshape its global wealth-management business following its acquisition of Credit Suisse, integrating platforms and reassessing service offerings across regions. Crypto services are being evaluated as part of that broader restructuring, according to people familiar with the plans.

Regulatory and operational considerations remain central to the rollout, with UBS assessing internal controls, custody arrangements, and jurisdictional requirements before finalizing the scope of services. No geographic breakdown for the initial availability has been disclosed as of Jan. 23.

Peers including Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan have already expanded crypto-related offerings for wealthy clients, adding competitive pressure among global banks serving high-net-worth investors. UBS’s move places it more directly alongside those institutions as digital assets continue to gain traction within private banking.

This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.