Global Financial Institutions Move Toward Bitcoin — From BBVA to Deutsche Börse

A Broader Institutional Movement Is Underway

While U.S. wealth platforms are updating their guidance on Bitcoin (see our article on Bank of America's recent policy shift), similar shifts are happening around the world.

1. BBVA: Advising Wealthy Clients to Allocate Up to 7% to Bitcoin

Spanish banking giant BBVA has begun advising some high-net-worth clients to allocate up to 7 percent of their portfolio to Bitcoin and other digital assets.

This is one of the boldest allocation recommendations yet from a major European bank — significantly higher than the 1–4% range now being normalized in the U.S.

2. Deutsche Börse / Clearstream: Institutional Bitcoin Custody Infrastructure

Germany's Deutsche Börse, through its Clearstream subsidiary, announced plans to offer institutional Bitcoin and Ether custody beginning in 2025.

Clearstream is one of Europe's most important post-trade service providers. For them to adopt Bitcoin signals a decisive shift in infrastructure readiness.

A Global Consensus Is Forming

Across the U.S. and Europe, institutions — from wealth advisers to post-trade clearing giants — are now building frameworks for Bitcoin allocation.

There is no longer a meaningful distinction between "crypto companies" and "traditional finance companies dabbling in Bitcoin."

Bitcoin has entered the long-term, institutional investment conversation.

What This Means for Investors and Advisors

These global moves reflect a maturing understanding of Bitcoin's characteristics:

• Store of value potential
• Supply predictability
• Independence from traditional monetary systems
• Portfolio diversification benefits
• Strong long-term risk-adjusted performance

Investors and financial advisors who incorporate these insights may be better positioned than those who ignore them.

To see how different allocation levels or market assumptions might play out over time, investors can use our Bitcoin DCA Projection Calculator, Bitcoin Allocation Range Tool, and Bitcoin Tax-Loss Harvesting Calculator.

And yet — understanding how Bitcoin fits into a traditional financial plan requires specialized knowledge, especially around:

• tax
• allocation
• risk tolerance
• time horizon
• custody
• estate planning

For many investors, the tax dimension is just as important as allocation decisions themselves. Our Bitcoin Tax Basics 2025 guide provides a straightforward explanation of how Bitcoin is currently treated for tax purposes.

A New Era of Bitcoin-Aware Financial Guidance

With major banks, infrastructure providers, and regulators acknowledging Bitcoin's role in modern finance, clients will increasingly expect their advisors to understand digital assets — not avoid them.

Bitcoin-aware advisors will become an essential part of wealth planning as clients look for professionals who can integrate Bitcoin thoughtfully and responsibly.

Final Thoughts

If you're evaluating whether Bitcoin has a role in your long-term financial plan, work with advisors trained in both traditional planning frameworks and the growing world of digital assets.