UBS is taking a measured approach to offering direct cryptocurrency access to its private banking clients, prioritizing tokenization and infrastructure development over speed. CEO Sergio Ermotti stated the bank will act as a “fast follower” targeting a rollout within three to five years. The announcement comes as UBS reported strong full-year 2025 results, with net profit rising 53% to $7.8 billion and invested assets surpassing $7 trillion for the first time.
UBS confirmed its plan to offer direct crypto access during its recent earnings call, aligning with an earlier report. The bank’s multi-year strategy focuses on tokenized assets and digital infrastructure rather than immediate trading services. CEO Sergio Ermotti emphasized the bank is building its foundational systems and evaluating specific use cases. These include individual client access to cryptocurrencies and tokenized deposit solutions for corporate clients.
Ermotti stated, “The bank will instead become a ‘fast follower’ in tokenized assets.” He added that full integration into existing wealth management and corporate solutions would take three to five years. This marks a shift from the bank’s previous skepticism; officials in 2017 had expressed doubts about cryptocurrencies’ viability as money.
The bank’s financial performance showed significant growth, with full-year net profit increasing 53% to $7.8 billion. Invested assets also grew 15% year-over-year, exceeding the $7 trillion milestone.
UBS has already taken preliminary steps in the digital asset space. It introduced a tokenized money market fund on Ethereum and previously offered Hong Kong clients access to crypto futures-based ETFs in 2023. Other major banks like Morgan Stanley and Standard Chartered have also announced plans to expand crypto services for institutional and high-net-worth clients.
