Italian Bank Becomes First Licensed to Offer Bitcoin and Crypto Services

Banca Sella, an Italian bank based in Biella, has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first bank in Italy to receive official approval for offering Bitcoin and cryptocurrency custody services under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The bank completed its notification process with the Bank of Italy on May 27, 2026.

The authorization paves the way for Banca Sella to launch custody and transfer services for digital assets before the end of 2026. These services will initially be offered to corporate and institutional clients. The move is a significant step towards the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the Italian banking sector.