We are witnessing a financial revolution. Digital assets, until recently the preserve of experts and enthusiasts, are attracting growing attention. They have even captured the interest of major institutions, which in recent months have begun acquiring these assets as a way of broadening their investment portfolios.
Despite their enormous potential, many people remain uncertain about how to buy these assets and, more importantly, how to hold on to them securely. Fear of losing an investment to cyberattacks, novice mistakes and the burden of managing complex security keys have all slowed the mass adoption of these assets.
But this is where we are likely to see a decisive shift. Traditional banking—the very industry that has safeguarded our money and assets for decades (75 years in Creand’s case)—is emerging as a key player in making digital assets both accessible and reliable for everyone. By combining the innovation of the digital world with the trust and security of traditional finance, banks are not merely adapting to the new era; in my view, they are poised to lead it.
What does traditional banking offer? First and foremost, security and trust. Banks mitigate security risks by applying the same measures already in place to protect other assets. All our safeguards are extended to cryptoassets, providing the reassurance that your money is held by an institution you know and trust.
Second, the involvement of banks is not just about security, but about shaping a financial future in which cryptoassets are no longer a separate asset class. We are talking about an integrated financial ecosystem.
The bank provides a comprehensive solution: a platform where you can buy and sell cryptoassets, view your balances alongside your savings accounts and convert them into money or make transfers. All of this is available through your online banking, anytime and from anywhere.
The client can manage all their assets from a single place. Instead of holding a savings account at a bank, a portfolio of shares on another platform and a collection of cryptoassets on an online exchange, traditional banking can bring all these options together under one roof.
This integration makes the digital world far more accessible for our clients, allowing them to operate with the ease they are already familiar with, and without the need to navigate multiple platforms.
Finally, for many people, entering the world of cryptoassets can involve a steep learning curve: complex exchange platforms, technical jargon and abstract concepts often create difficulties and even frustration.
Banking simplifies this process dramatically, reducing that learning curve almost to zero. Clients can access cryptoasset services through their online banking or mobile app, using the same familiar interface they already know and trust. This makes access to digital assets straightforward. By removing technical barriers and the need to learn an entirely new ecosystem, banking not only democratises access to this market but also encourages safer, broader adoption, offering clients a seamless, hassle-free user experience.
The role of banks in the custody of cryptoassets represents an immense opportunity. Drawing on their strengths in trust, security, service integration and usability, banks are not only adapting to a new market, but also legitimising it and making it more accessible to everyone. This is an exciting new stage in online banking, marking the start of a new chapter. Now is the moment when the best of traditional finance comes together with the limitless potential of digital technology.
Diari d’Andorra 18.09.2025