Banca Sella to Become First Italian Bank to Launch Crypto Services

Banca Sella obtained Bank of Italy approval to launch digital asset custody and transfer services as early as 2026. The bank completed the required notification process, enabling a regulated rollout aligned with Europe’s digital asset rulebook. Initial availability will be limited to specific customer categories, indicating a cautious approach while banks assess client demand, regulatory obligations, and operational risk. The move follows the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, which reshapes how banks and other firms can provide crypto services. Banca Sella aims for a first-mover position in Italy’s regulated banking sector. The bank has worked on blockchain and digital asset initiatives, including participation in a 2022 Bank of Italy fintech trial and investments in distributed ledger technology capabilities. It is also a founding member of Qivalis, a consortium of 37 European banks developing euro-backed stablecoin infrastructure.

"Banca Sella secures Bank of Italy approval to launch crypto custody services in 2026. MiCA is pushing Italian banks toward regulated crypto and tokenized finance services. Banca Sella joined Qivalis as 37 EU banks prepare to expand euro stablecoin infrastructure. Banca Sella is preparing to become the first Italian bank to offer crypto-related services under Europe's digital asset rulebook, marking another step in the region's push to bring crypto activity into regulated finance."

"The Italian banking group said it has completed the required notification process with the Bank of Italy. That clears the path for Banca Sella to launch digital asset custody and transfer services as early as 2026. The services will not be offered broadly at first. Banca Sella said they will be aimed at specific categories of customers, suggesting a cautious rollout as banks across Europe weigh client demand, regulatory duties, and operational risk."

"The move comes as the European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation reshapes how banks, exchanges, and other firms can provide crypto services. For Banca Sella, the approval process gives it a first-mover position in Italy's regulated banking sector. Andrea Tessera, Banca Sella's managing director of digital banking, remarked on the shift toward digital assets."

"Banca Sella has been active in blockchain and digital asset initiatives for several years. Since 2022, it has taken part in a trial promoted by the Bank of Italy's Fintech Milano Hub. The bank said it has also invested in the technology and skills needed to work with distributed ledger technology, blockchain systems, and digital assets. Banca Sella is also a founding member of Qivalis, a consortium of 37 European banks working on a euro-backed stablecoin."

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