Bank of America now encourages its wealth clients to hold a small share of crypto in their portfolios. The bank recommends a 1 to 4 percent allocation to digital assets such as Bitcoin. This shift signals growing confidence in regulated crypto products and marks a major change from the bank’s earlier cautious approach.
What the New Guidance Includes
Starting in January, more than 15,000 advisers across Merrill, Merrill Edge and the Bank of America Private Bank will be able to proactively suggest crypto exposure. Investors will gain access to four U.S. listed spot Bitcoin ETFs. These include:
- Bitwise Bitcoin ETF
- Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund
- Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust
- iShares Bitcoin Trust
These ETFs offer a simple way to gain Bitcoin exposure without the need to manage private keys or store coins directly.
Who This Allocation Is For
Chris Hyzy, the Chief Investment Officer for the Private Bank, explained that the 1 percent allocation may fit conservative clients, while the 4 percent range could appeal to investors comfortable with higher volatility. He noted that this guidance targets people who show strong interest in innovation themes and understand the risks involved.
This recommendation acts as a satellite position rather than a core holding. It helps investors explore digital assets while keeping overall risk balanced.
More major institutions now support limited crypto exposure, and Bank of America’s decision adds to the momentum. This change may boost confidence among traditional investors who want regulated pathways into cryptocurrencies. It could also increase capital inflow into Bitcoin ETFs, strengthen market legitimacy and support the long term role of digital assets in diversified portfolios.
As regulatory clarity improves, more financial giants may adopt similar strategies. Crypto could soon become a standard, though small, allocation in modern wealth planning.
