Banca Sella Becomes First Italian Bank to Secure MiCA Crypto Approval

Italian lender Banca Sella has completed its notification process with the Bank of Italy under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, giving it official authorization to offer crypto-asset services in the country.

The approval makes Banca Sella the first bank in Italy cleared to provide regulated digital asset services, including custody, transfer and receipt of cryptocurrencies. The bank said its initial rollout is planned for 2026 and will target selected customer groups.

Banca Sella is part of Sella Group, which operates nearly 300 branches and employs more than 2,400 people, making it one of Italy’s established financial institutions now entering the regulated crypto sector.

Crypto Custody and Tokenization Plans for 2026

The bank said its upcoming crypto services will support secure custody and digital asset transfers, aligned with Europe’s broader push toward regulated tokenization and programmable payments. Executives described the shift as part of a move toward faster and more interoperable financial systems.

Banca Sella has previously explored blockchain through pilots, internal digital asset teams, and its involvement in banking consortium projects focused on stablecoin development and digital banking infrastructure.