Italian Lawmaker Advocates for Banking Foundations to Invest in Bitcoin Amid Crypto Surge
In a move aimed at fostering greater adoption of cryptocurrency in Italy, Marcello Coppo, a member of the Italian parliament, has called on banking foundations to explore Bitcoin as a viable investment option. Coppo believes that by allocating a small portion of their income to the leading digital asset, these institutions could pave the way for broader public acceptance and potential financial gains.
Speaking in an interview with Cryptovaluta on Friday, Coppo emphasized the importance of cautious yet strategic investments in Bitcoin. Banking foundations, organizations that operate as banks while funding social, cultural, and philanthropic activities, are uniquely positioned to lead this initiative, according to the lawmaker.
“We can start from where the risk is very low, and any positive tests can be used as examples and case studies,” Coppo said, urging foundations to consider the long-term benefits of holding Bitcoin.
A Pragmatic Approach to Bitcoin in Italy
Despite his enthusiasm, Coppo tempered expectations regarding the Italian government’s potential adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve. While several nations, including the United States, have made strides toward incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves, Coppo stated that Italy is unlikely to follow suit in the near term.
“If the USA [invests in Bitcoin], it would not be science fiction for any nation [to do the same]... but I do not see the conditions for this to happen [in Italy] in a few months,” he remarked.
This cautious stance reflects Italy's historical skepticism toward cryptocurrency, which Coppo described as facing "excessive distrust" in the country. Nevertheless, he believes that banking foundations embracing Bitcoin could shift public perception and demonstrate the asset's potential benefits.
Momentum Building in Italy's Crypto Sector
Coppo’s comments come on the heels of significant developments in Italy’s crypto space. Earlier this week, Intesa Sanpaolo, the country’s largest bank, reportedly purchased $1 million worth of Bitcoin. This milestone signals a growing interest in digital assets among Italian financial institutions, coinciding with a remarkable resurgence in the crypto market.
Bitcoin recently surged past $100,000, reaching $104,000 at the time of writing, according to CoinGecko data. This impressive rally has rekindled global enthusiasm for the cryptocurrency and could influence institutional adoption in Italy and beyond.
The Broader Implications
If Italian banking foundations heed Coppo's advice and invest in Bitcoin, it could set a precedent for other financial entities in the country to follow suit. Such investments would not only diversify their portfolios but also contribute to a broader acceptance of cryptocurrency within Italy.
By starting small and demonstrating success through low-risk investments, these foundations could become pivotal players in shaping Italy’s crypto landscape. Though the Italian Treasury remains hesitant, a grassroots approach led by banking foundations might eventually influence national policy toward Bitcoin.
As the crypto market continues to evolve, Italy finds itself at a crossroads: embrace innovation cautiously or risk being left behind in the global shift toward digital finance. Coppo’s vision, while measured, offers a roadmap for Italy to navigate this dynamic and potentially transformative sector.
