Emirates NBD Considers Adding Bitcoin to Its Portfolio as Digital Gold

Highlights:

• Emirates NBD is now seriously considering Bitcoin as part of its investment portfolio
• The bank’s CIO Maurice Gravier describes Bitcoin as “digital gold” and a store of value.
• Dubai’s clear crypto rules give banks stronger confidence to assess allocations.

Emirates NBD, one of the biggest banks in the United Arab Emirates, has shared that it is looking at the idea of adding Bitcoin to its investment portfolio. The bank described Bitcoin as “digital gold,” a sign that its view on the asset is changing. The comments suggest that large traditional financial institutions are taking digital assets more seriously.

JUST IN: 🇦🇪 $16 billion Emirates NBD is exploring adding #Bitcoin to its portfolio.

BULLISH 🚀 pic.twitter.com/fkynbblUf0

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 24, 2026

Emirates NBD CIO Says Bitcoin Viewed as Store of Value, Not Just Currency

In a recent interview with CNBC, Maurice Gravier, the bank’s Group Chief Investment Officer, said Bitcoin is no longer seen only as an alternative currency. Instead, the bank increasingly views it as a store of value, much like gold has been for many years. He explained that the team is studying how Bitcoin could fit into the bank’s wider investment strategy. However, no final decision has been made.

Gravier also noted that putting a fair value on Bitcoin is still difficult. Its price moves quickly and often sharply, which makes long-term valuation a challenge. Even so, the fact that a major regional bank is openly discussing Bitcoin as a potential portfolio asset shows how attitudes toward crypto continue to evolve.

Emirates NBD has not shared how much of its portfolio could go into Bitcoin. Still, market analysts believe even a small share would send a strong signal. Some reports say the bank is exploring a possible 1% allocation in its investment portfolio. That level is similar to what many large institutions use when they add Bitcoin for diversification. Even a 1 % move from a major bank can influence how others think about digital assets.

Dubai’s Clear Crypto Rules Boost Bank Confidence in Bitcoin

Dubai has also pushed hard to support digital finance. In recent years, the government has built clearer rules for crypto businesses. The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority has introduced a structured framework that guides companies working with virtual assets. This clearer system reduces uncertainty and builds trust.

Because of this environment, traditional banks such as Emirates NBD may feel more confident exploring Bitcoin and other digital assets. Clear rules, combined with growing global interest, are making it easier for established financial firms to step into the crypto space.

For years, many crypto supporters have called Bitcoin digital gold. They believe it can protect wealth from inflation and hold value over time, similar to physical gold. In recent years, more institutional investors have started to take this idea seriously, especially during global economic uncertainty. When a traditional bank like Emirates NBD echoes this view, it adds more weight and trust to the argument.

Market Slides as Fear Weighs on Bitcoin and Altcoins

This news comes at a time when Bitcoin and the wider crypto market are already under pressure. Traders have been selling as fear spreads, which has pushed prices lower across the market. Bitcoin fell to about $62,700 late Monday. In the last 24 hours, the price dropped about 5.16 %, showing that short-term sentiment is still weak.

Other major coins moved in the same direction. Ether slipped 5.64% to near $1,815. XRP fell 4.84% to around $1.32. Solana also dropped 5.24 % and traded close to $76.51. Overall, the total crypto market declined 4.42 %, bringing the full market value down to roughly $2.18 trillion. Right now, the mood is cautious. Many investors are reducing risk as uncertainty continues.