UBS(US:UBS) Benzinga·2026-01-23 14:14Core Viewpoint - UBS Group AG is set to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to select private banking clients in Switzerland, with plans for expansion to Asia-Pacific and the U.S. [1] Group 1: Rollout Details - UBS is currently selecting partners for the crypto offering after months of discussions, with the initial rollout limited to select private banking clients in Switzerland [2] - The bank is opting to use outside partners for trading, custody, and compliance rather than building the infrastructure in-house [2] Group 2: Market Implications - The addition of crypto trading by large wealth platforms like UBS could enhance liquidity and attract a more traditional investor base to digital assets [4] - A mere 1% allocation of UBS's $4.7 trillion in assets into Bitcoin and Ethereum could generate $47 billion in potential demand [4] Group 3: Institutional Trends - UBS is part of a growing trend among traditional banks expanding their crypto offerings, with JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley also considering or planning to offer cryptocurrency trading [6] - The shift from cautious observation to active participation by major banks indicates changing risk calculations in the financial sector [6][7] Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The evolving regulatory frameworks are providing banks with more confidence to develop crypto products through controlled channels, reflecting a shift in client demand and risk management considerations [7]