Bank of America plans to let its advisers talk openly about regulated crypto allocations next year, giving eligible clients the option to place a modest 1 to 4 percent of their portfolios into digital assets. The update applies across Merrill, Bank of America Private Bank, and Merrill Edge, which means a large number of investors will soon have access to guidance that previously required a client to start the conversation.
Before this policy change, advisers could respond to questions about digital assets but were discouraged from bringing them up unprompted. That arrangement left crypto in a kind of gray zone: available, but tucked away unless someone went looking for it. With more than 15,000 advisers now allowed to approach the topic as part of broader planning, digital assets will sit closer to traditional areas like equities and commodities. Even so, Bank of America continues to point out that crypto swings harder than most asset classes, so any allocation should be sized with care rather than excitement.
Away from financial markets, digital currencies continue appearing across daily online habits. People use them for subscription platforms, small retail purchases, and gaming services. Bitcoin casinos are part of that trend, operating with fast payments and support for a range of coins. Given the technology backing these decentralized currencies, coins like USDC, AVAX, and Polygon now play meaningful roles across different digital environments (source: https://casinobeats.com/online-casinos/bitcoin-casinos/). When adoption grows in these areas, it becomes easier to see why major banks feel more comfortable treating crypto as a legitimate point of discussion.
The bank’s recommended 1 to 4 percent range leaves room for different comfort levels. Investors who prefer a cautious entry can take the minimum route, while those prepared for sharper movements may choose something higher within the approved range. Bank officials continue to highlight the importance of knowing how unpredictable these markets can be. The emphasis is on understanding exposure, not chasing eye-catching numbers or the next big story.
A defining part of the updated approach is its reliance on regulated exchange-traded products instead of direct token storage. On January 5, 2026, advisers will begin covering four spot Bitcoin ETFs: BlackRock’s IBIT, Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust, Fidelity’s FBTC, and Bitwise’s BITB. These products have handled strong trading volume in the U.S. and allow clients to gain price exposure without managing digital wallets or private keys.
Bank of America’s move lands in familiar territory for other financial institutions. Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, BlackRock, and Vanguard have all released guidance in recent months, even while Bitcoin cooled from its early October high above 126,000 dollars. The asset remains down roughly ten percent for the year, yet interest continues at both professional and retail levels, suggesting that many investors now see crypto as a long-term consideration rather than a quick speculation.
The timing lines up with broader improvements in the country’s digital asset infrastructure. Regulated ETFs have helped reduce custody concerns and made price exposure simpler. Meanwhile, blockchain based tools and payments continue appearing across online commerce and entertainment. With those pieces in place, Bank of America’s updated approach treats digital assets as one element in a wider collection of choices. It acknowledges the growing presence of crypto across markets and online behavior while keeping client suitability front and center.
