Following a year of robust financial performance and successful integration milestones post-Credit Suisse merger throughout 2025, UBS Group CEO Sergio Ermotti announced a decisive acceleration of the bank’s digital assets strategy. The strong results, which provided ample capital reserves, have empowered the firm to embrace higher-growth, though carefully managed, risks in the burgeoning digital finance sector.
Ermotti outlined a two-pronged strategy focusing on enhanced cryptocurrency accessibility and a pragmatic approach to asset tokenization. Regarding crypto, UBS is actively developing the necessary infrastructure to provide direct access and segregated custody for major cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin and Ethereum—specifically targeting its institutional and Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) client base. This marks a departure from the bank’s previous, more cautious stance, which often limited client exposure to passive investment vehicles (such as ETPs).
The CEO emphasized that client demand, particularly from younger wealth inheritors and sophisticated hedge funds, necessitated the pivot toward direct crypto exposure. The bank stressed that all offerings will be subject to stringent regulatory compliance and integrated within UBS’s existing robust risk management framework.
In the realm of blockchain and tokenization, Ermotti dubbed the bank’s strategy a “fast follower” approach. Instead of investing heavily in experimental or proprietary blockchain technologies, UBS will focus resources on rapidly adopting and scaling proven tokenization solutions developed by early market leaders. This strategy aims to maximize efficiency gains by digitizing traditional assets—such as real estate, funds, and structured products—to reduce settlement times and operational costs, while minimizing the risks associated with pioneering infrastructure development. The ultimate goal is to cement UBS’s position as the leading global wealth manager by seamlessly blending traditional financial security with cutting-edge digital asset utility.
Source: UBS CEO targets direct crypto access and ‘fast follower’ tokenization push amid strong 2025 results
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