Bank of America is making a significant shift in its wealth-management strategy by advising clients to include cryptocurrency in their investment portfolios. The bank now recommends a 1%–4% allocation to digital assets across Merrill, Bank of America Private Bank, and Merrill Edge accounts. This marks a major change from earlier guidelines, when advisers had limited ability to recommend crypto, pushing many clients to seek options outside the bank.
Beginning January 5, the bank’s strategists will also start providing research coverage on four major Bitcoin ETFs from Bitwise, Fidelity, Grayscale, and BlackRock. Executives say these updates reflect rising demand from investors who prefer regulated and secure ways to enter the digital asset space.
Clients with higher risk tolerance may find the upper end of the allocation range suitable, while more conservative investors are encouraged to stay closer to 1%. Despite Bitcoin dropping from its peak of $126,000 to around $85,000, Bank of America notes that long-term interest in crypto remains strong.
Major financial institutions—including Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, BlackRock, and JPMorgan—continue to expand their digital-asset offerings. This trend signals growing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies across Wall Street.
Growing Demand for Regulated Crypto Access
Bank of America’s move comes as investors increasingly look for trustworthy, institution-backed ways to participate in the digital-asset market. The bank says clients want exposure without navigating unregulated platforms or third-party providers. By integrating crypto guidance directly into its wealth-management services, the bank aims to meet that demand while maintaining strong oversight and risk management.
Wall Street’s Expanding Crypto Landscape
The broader financial sector is also embracing digital assets. With major firms adding crypto products and investment options, the trend reflects a shift toward long-term confidence in the technology. Even with recent price volatility, banks report that investor interest remains steady, especially as more regulated and transparent investment vehicles—such as Bitcoin ETFs—become available.
