Zurich, Feb 5, 2026, 10:25 (CET)
- UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti says the bank is developing digital-asset infrastructure and considering offering crypto access to clients
- Ermotti predicts tokenized-asset growth will take three to five years, following a “fast follower” strategy
- After years of cautious stance on tokens, UBS is now picking partners to launch a crypto service aimed at wealthy clients
UBS is laying the groundwork for digital asset infrastructure and considering how to offer cryptocurrency access to individual clients, CEO Sergio Ermotti said, outlining a measured approach into a space that most big banks have so far observed from the sidelines.
The comments carry weight since UBS controls one of Europe’s biggest reservoirs of wealthy assets. The bank faces pressure to meet client demand for fresh products while avoiding open-ended risk.
Tokenization — converting assets like bonds or bank deposits into digital tokens logged on a blockchain, a shared ledger — is pitched as a method to speed up settlements and boost the efficiency of money transfers. UBS is making it clear it aims to lay the groundwork first and expand its offerings down the line.
Ermotti said the bank is adopting a “focused client-led approach” as digital assets gain traction in finance. According to Decrypt, UBS is developing plans that may allow select wealthy clients to trade bitcoin and ether, while expanding its tokenized service offerings. Decrypt
During Wednesday’s earnings call, Ermotti revealed UBS is developing “core infrastructure” and looking into select products, ranging from crypto access to “tokenised deposit solutions for corporates.” He emphasized that the bank won’t be a “front runner” in blockchain tech, instead calling its stance a “fast follower.” Any growth in this area is projected over a three- to five-year timeline. Marketscreener
Bloomberg says UBS is lining up partners to launch a crypto offering targeted at wealthy clients, marking a notable pivot for the bank, which has traditionally been cautious on virtual tokens. The report also pointed out that major banks have hesitated to dive deeper into crypto trading, in part due to Basel III — global capital requirements that can make holding certain crypto assets costly. Bloomberg
According to a Reuters report last month, citing Bloomberg, UBS might begin by allowing select private-banking clients in Switzerland to buy and sell bitcoin and ether. The plan could then extend to markets like Asia-Pacific and the United States. The report also mentioned that JPMorgan has considered crypto trading for institutional clients, while Morgan Stanley aims to launch crypto trading on its E*Trade platform in the first half of 2026. A UBS spokesperson said the bank “actively monitor[s] developments” and evaluates potential initiatives against regulation and “robust risk controls.” Reuters
UBS reported a net profit of $7.8 billion for 2025, marking a 53% jump. The bank also said its group invested assets topped $7 trillion for the first time. Ubs
UBS is named as a design partner on Tempo, a blockchain project centered on payments. Tempo claims it’s running tests on stablecoin payments and tokenized deposits alongside several banks and fintech firms. UBS hasn’t clarified if Tempo will feature in its future client services. Tempo
Crypto access remains a tricky subject for big banks, despite clear demand. Any launch depends on regulatory approval, how capital is treated, and the bank’s capacity to manage custody, market abuse, and cyber risks. UBS hasn’t announced a date yet.
Ermotti expects the tokenized-asset rollout to unfold over the next three to five years. For the moment, UBS is focused on securing partners and developing infrastructure, aiming to stay behind the scenes.
