- Nineteen major banks globally report investing approximately $10.27 billion in cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) leading the pack.
- XRP emerges as the top altcoin choice, representing 2% of total crypto investments by these banks, indicating its growing importance in the financial sector.
The Rising Tide of Crypto in Banking
In a significant shift within the banking and cryptocurrency sectors, nineteen banks across North America, Europe, and other regions have demonstrated a robust foray into the world of digital assets. As per the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) report, these institutions have collectively disclosed investments totaling approximately €9.4 billion ($10.27 billion) in various cryptocurrencies. This substantial figure underscores the rapidly growing interest and confidence of traditional financial institutions in the crypto market.
XRP: The Emerging Star
Among the array of cryptocurrencies invested in, XRP has distinguished itself, securing a notable position in these banks’ investment portfolios. According to the BCBS report, XRP accounts for about 2% of the total exposure, translating to an investment of €188 million, or around $205 million. This significant allocation positions XRP as the third-largest altcoin in the banks’ crypto commitments, highlighting its rising prominence and potential in the evolving landscape of digital finance.
The Dominant Duo: Bitcoin and Ethereum
Delving deeper into the BCBS report reveals a pronounced concentration of investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum. These stalwarts of the crypto world dominate the banks’ exposure, with Bitcoin accounting for 31% and Ethereum 22%. Additionally, investment vehicles tracking BTC and ETH constitute a significant portion of the banks’ crypto investments, at 25% and 10% respectively. This data reflects not only the sustained trust in BTC and ETH but also the strategic diversification approaches of these banks in the digital asset space.
Diversification Beyond BTC and ETH
The report also sheds light on other cryptocurrencies that are capturing the interest of these banking institutions. Digital assets such as Polkadot (DOT), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Litecoin (LTC), and Stellar (XLM) are also part of the banks’ diversified crypto portfolios. Though these altcoins represent smaller percentages compared to BTC and ETH, their inclusion in these portfolios signals an expanding horizon of interest and recognition of a variety of digital assets within the traditional banking sector.
