Brazil’s Itaú advises 1–3% BTC exposure for 2026 portfolios
Itaú Asset Management, the investment arm of Itaú Unibanco, is advising clients to consider allocating between 1% and 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin in 2026. The recommendation positions Bitcoin as a complementary asset rather than a core holding, highlighting its potential role in diversification and protection against currency risk. The guidance was shared in a research note authored by strategist Renato Eid.
According to Eid, Bitcoin’s global and decentralized nature sets it apart from traditional assets, giving it unique return drivers. Because its performance is influenced by factors different from equities, bonds, or fiat currencies, even a small allocation can help lower overall portfolio risk. At modest weights, Bitcoin may enhance diversification without significantly increasing volatility.
Why Itaú is backing a small Bitcoin slice
Eid frames the guidance against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, shifting monetary policy and persistent FX risks. He characterizes Bitcoin as “an asset distinct from fixed income, traditional stocks, or domestic markets,” adding that it can serve a currency-hedging function when held alongside conventional holdings. TradingView
Correlation and portfolio construction
Itaú’s note highlights low correlation between BITI11 its locally listed Bitcoin ETF and major Brazilian and international indices. The bank says this supports a 1%–3% allocation to improve balance without materially increasing volatility at the portfolio level.
Market access in Brazil
Investors in Brazil can access Bitcoin exposure via BITI11 on B3, launched in 2022 through a partnership between Itaú Asset and Galaxy. The ETF is designed to track Bitcoin pricing in Brazilian reais.
Itaú Asset builds crypto capabilities
In September 2025, Itaú Asset created a standalone crypto division led by ex-Hashdex executive João Marco Braga da Cunha to expand product breadth from ETF wrappers to strategies that may include derivatives-based and other risk-tiered approaches.
Itaú Asset recommends 3% Bitcoin allocation 2026
The bank’s 1%–3% guideline is positioned as strategic and persistent, rather than a short-term trade, with the aim of capturing diversification benefits while recognizing Bitcoin’s higher standalone volatility.
Portfolio scenarios for Itaú Asset recommends 3% Bitcoin allocation 2026
At the 1% level, Itaú frames Bitcoin as a diversifier with minimal tracking error impact; at 3%, the allocation seeks more meaningful risk-adjusted return potential while staying within conservative bounds for a single alternative asset.
Context & Analysis
Brazil’s real (BRL) volatility and policy cycles often dominate local asset returns. A small, rules-based Bitcoin sleeve can act as a diversification overlay for BRL-centric portfolios, though investors should remain mindful of crypto’s drawdown profile and product-specific risks.
Conclusion
Itaú Asset’s recommendation to allocate 1%–3% to Bitcoin in 2026 highlights the growing maturity of Brazil’s crypto market infrastructure. Rather than promoting speculative exposure, the guidance frames Bitcoin as a practical tool for diversification and as a hedge against foreign exchange risk within a broader investment strategy.
For most investors, the message is clear: keep exposure limited and disciplined. Itaú suggests accessing Bitcoin through regulated investment vehicles and maintaining proper risk controls. Regular rebalancing over time is emphasized to ensure the allocation remains aligned with portfolio objectives, helping investors capture diversification benefits without taking on excessive volatility.
FAQs
Q : What did Itaú Asset recommend for 2026?
A : A 1%–3% Bitcoin allocation as a complementary diversifier and potential FX hedge.
Q : Why such a small Bitcoin weight?
A : While Bitcoin’s low correlation can improve diversification, its high volatility supports keeping the allocation modest.
Q : How can Brazilian investors access Bitcoin exposure?
A : Through regulated vehicles such as BITI11 on B3 or other compliant funds and ETFs.
Q : Does Itaú offer crypto-specific products?
A : Yes. Itaú Asset operates a crypto division and offers a Bitcoin ETF, among other products.
Q : Is Bitcoin recommended as an inflation or currency hedge?
A : Itaú frames Bitcoin primarily as a currency-hedging and diversification tool when combined with traditional assets.
Q : What risks should investors consider?
A : Price volatility, tracking differences, fees, and tax/reporting obligations.
Q : Does the exact guidance mention rebalancing?
A : The note emphasizes a small, steady allocation; investors typically maintain target weights via periodic rebalancing.
Facts
Event
Itaú Asset recommends 1%–3% Bitcoin allocation for 2026 portfoliosDate/Time
2025-12-13T12:00:00+05:00Entities
Itaú Asset Management (Itaú Unibanco); Renato Eid; BITI11 (IT Now Bloomberg Galaxy Bitcoin ETF); Galaxy DigitalFigures:
Allocation band 1%–3%; low correlation between BITI11 and major indices (no specific coefficients disclosed)Quotes
“An asset distinct from fixed income, traditional stocks, or domestic markets… and due to its global and decentralized nature a currency hedging function.” Renato Eid (research note) TradingViewSources
Itaú (ION) explainer + note summary (https://www.ion.itau/news/o-bitcoin-em-2026-entre-previsoes-e-realidade/), TradingView/Cointelegraph report (https://www.tradingview.com/news/cointelegraph%3A22b9194b0094b%3A0-brazil-s-largest-private-bank-advises-investors-to-allocate-3-to-bitcoin-in-2026/)