In a move that reflects the growing institutional acceptance of digital assets, Emirates NBD is studying the possibility of adding Bitcoin to its investment portfolios. The development signals increasing regional interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

Maurice Gravier, the group’s Chief Investment Officer, confirmed that the bank has not yet purchased Bitcoin. However, he noted that Emirates NBD has incorporated the asset into its internal investment framework and is currently assessing pricing models, macroeconomic dynamics, and behavioral market factors before making any formal allocation decision.

A Modest Allocation in Balanced Portfolios

Initial considerations suggest a potential allocation ranging between 0.5% and 1% within balanced portfolios. The approach reflects a measured strategy designed to capture potential upside while limiting exposure to volatility.

According to the bank’s investment leadership, Bitcoin has evolved beyond its early perception as a speculative alternative currency. It is increasingly viewed as a store of value — often described as “digital gold.” This comparison stems from Bitcoin’s capped supply, its proof-of-work security model, and its relatively predictable issuance structure compared to traditional fiat currencies.

Still, the bank emphasized that price volatility and Bitcoin’s correlation with higher-risk assets remain critical factors requiring careful analysis before committing capital.

Exclusive Focus on Bitcoin

Notably, Emirates NBD’s review is centered exclusively on Bitcoin rather than the broader cryptocurrency market. The bank considers Bitcoin’s singular monetary function to be structurally simpler and potentially less exposed to technical disruptions than multi-purpose smart contract platforms.

This focused approach underscores a preference for established digital assets with longer track records, as opposed to newer blockchain ecosystems that may carry additional technological or regulatory uncertainties.

Tokenization: The Next Major Financial Shift

Beyond Bitcoin, the bank sees tokenization as one of the most transformative forces shaping the future of global finance. By converting traditional assets into blockchain-based tokens, institutions can enable direct peer-to-peer trading, improve pricing transparency, and significantly reduce intermediary costs.

Tokenization is expected to expand across private markets and conventional securities, potentially unlocking liquidity in asset classes that have historically been difficult to trade. Continuous settlement mechanisms and clearer price discovery could fundamentally reshape capital markets.

Stablecoins Gaining Ground

The bank also highlighted the rapid growth of dollar-backed stablecoins, particularly in cross-border payments and trade finance. In regions with large expatriate populations, such as the Middle East, stablecoins are increasingly viewed as efficient infrastructure for remittances and everyday transactions.

Transaction volumes linked to major stablecoins have, in some cases, surpassed those of global card networks, signaling a structural shift in payment systems. For Emirates NBD, stablecoins are not a passing trend but a foundational component of future financial rails.