Banca Sella Becomes First Italian Bank Cleared for Crypto-Asset Services

Banca Sella is set to become the first Italian bank authorized to offer crypto-asset services under Europe’s new MiCA framework, according to reports based on the bank’s announcement.

The key detail: this is not simply “a bank starts selling crypto.” Sella says it has completed the notification process with the Bank of Italy and can prepare services related in particular to the custody, transfer and receipt of digital assets.

Financial IT reported that the bank plans to launch the solution in 2026 for selected categories of customers. The Cryptonomist described the move as the first authorization of its kind for an Italian bank under MiCA.

What services are coming?

The announced service is focused on holding and moving crypto-assets for clients inside a regulated banking structure. That is different from launching a broad retail trading venue for every customer.

Andrea Tessera, managing director of digital banking at Banca Sella, framed the move around programmable payments, tokenization and new financial infrastructure. He said being the first Italian bank able to offer custody and transfer services for crypto assets is a major step in Europe’s shift toward digital finance models.

Why the “first Italian bank” claim needs context

The claim appears accurate for this specific MiCA-linked authorization. But Sella’s crypto activity did not begin today.

Through HYPE, a Banca Sella brand, customers can already create a Bitcoin wallet and buy, sell or exchange Bitcoin directly in the HYPE app. HYPE’s own product page says the Bitcoin service is available to adult HYPE customers and includes risk warnings tied to crypto volatility, lack of central control and possible capital loss.

Regulatory backdrop

MiCA, the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, is designed to create a common rulebook for crypto-asset issuers and service providers across the bloc. For banks, that means crypto services are moving from experimental side projects into regulated financial infrastructure.

Sella’s announcement also fits a broader strategy. The bank has participated in a Bank of Italy DLT pilot, built an internal digital-assets team and joined Qivalis, a consortium of European banks working on a euro-denominated stablecoin.

What this does not mean

It does not mean all Banca Sella customers will immediately get broad crypto trading. The announced rollout is expected in 2026 and aimed at selected client groups.

It also does not erase crypto risk. HYPE’s Bitcoin page explicitly warns customers that crypto operations can involve partial or total loss of allocated capital.

NoDechev rating: verified with context. Banca Sella appears to be the first Italian bank cleared under MiCA for crypto-asset custody and transfer services, but the rollout is targeted and regulatory, not a mass-market exchange launch.