Bank of America is taking a notable step toward mainstream crypto integration, advising select wealth-management clients to consider allocating 1% to 4% of their portfolios to digital assets.
The guidance applies to clients on the Merrill, Bank of America Private Bank, and Merrill Edge platforms, reflecting a cautious but deliberate shift toward regulated crypto exposure.
A Controlled Approach Backed by Regulated Bitcoin ETFs
Chris Hyzy, Chief Investment Officer at Bank of America Private Bank, framed the recommendation as suitable for investors who are comfortable with innovation-driven sectors and can handle increased volatility.
The firm stresses that exposure should happen through regulated investment vehicles, and it is preparing to cover four Bitcoin exchange-traded funds starting January 5, 2026. These will include the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC), and BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT).
Growing Institutional Confidence in Crypto
Bank of America’s move aligns with a larger trend across Wall Street, where firms such as BlackRock, Fidelity, and JPMorgan have expanded access to digital asset products for their own clients.
The recommendation signals that crypto, once viewed as peripheral, is steadily becoming an accepted component of diversified portfolios, though still positioned carefully, with measured exposure and an emphasis on risk awareness.