Banca Sella Wins Italy Approval for Crypto Asset Services

Table of Contents Banca Sella has become the first bank in Italy to receive authorization to provide services linked to crypto-assets under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, known as MiCA. The bank completed the notification process with the Bank of Italy, allowing it to move forward with regulated digital asset operations. The authorization places Banca Sella among the early European financial institutions providing services linked to cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets. The move also marks a new stage for the Italian banking sector as traditional lenders begin operating within the EU’s crypto regulatory framework. According to the bank, the first phase of the service will focus on selected customer groups. By the end of 2026, customers are expected to access services for storing, receiving, and transferring crypto-assets through the bank’s infrastructure. Andrea Tessera, Managing Director of Digital Banking at Banca Sella, said: “The evolution of payments towards instant, interoperable and programmable models, also driven by the tokenization of currencies and assets, is redefining financial infrastructures at the European and global level.” Banca Sella said its upcoming digital asset services will focus on custody and transfer functions designed to meet European compliance standards. The bank stated that customers will be able to manage crypto-assets within a regulated banking environment once the platform becomes fully operational. The lender explained that the project is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding digital financial products for customers seeking secure access to crypto-assets. The bank also noted that regulatory compliance and operational security remain central to the rollout plan. The MiCA framework was introduced by the European Union to create common rules for crypto-assets and service providers across member states. Financial institutions operating under MiCA are required to meet standards related to transparency, customer protection, and operational controls. Banca Sella said the authorization allows it to prepare services while maintaining alignment with European banking rules. The bank added that its digital asset platform will continue to evolve as regulations and customer demand develop across the region. Banca Sella has been involved in blockchain-related initiatives before receiving its MiCA authorization. In 2022, the bank participated in a Distributed Ledger Technology pilot project promoted by the Fintech Milano Hub of the Bank of Italy. The bank also created an internal DLT and Digital Assets team to strengthen its technical and operational capabilities in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized finance. These efforts formed part of the lender’s wider digital transformation strategy. In addition, Banca Sella is one of the founding members of Qivalis, a consortium formed by 37 European banks working on a euro-denominated stablecoin project. The initiative aims to support digital payment infrastructure and tokenized financial services across Europe. The bank continues to monitor projects linked to tokenized deposits and digital payment systems within the Eurosystem. It is also participating in programs such as Pontes and Appia, which focus on blockchain-based financial infrastructure and payment innovation. Banca Sella’s authorization reflects wider activity across Europe as financial institutions prepare for tokenized finance and regulated crypto services. Several banks and payment companies are increasing investments in blockchain infrastructure following the implementation of MiCA rules. The Italian banking sector has traditionally moved cautiously in the crypto market due to regulatory uncertainty. The new European framework now provides clearer operating rules for institutions seeking to enter the sector. Banca Sella stated that years of investment in technology and blockchain expertise supported the launch of its crypto-asset plans. The bank said future developments may include additional tokenized financial products and payment services as digital asset adoption expands across European markets.