UAE Second Largest Bank Signals Openness to Bitcoin as “Digital Gold”

Emirates NBD, the UAE’s second-largest bank, has reportedly reaffirmed its view of Bitcoin as “digital gold,” indicating that the asset may be considered within its broader investment framework.

The position forms part of the bank’s 2026 global investment outlook, which emphasizes diversification and financial resilience in an increasingly volatile macro environment.

While no formal allocation has been confirmed, the language suggests Bitcoin is being evaluated beyond speculative exposure and closer to a strategic portfolio component.

Bitcoin as a Store of Value

According to commentary attributed to bank executives, Bitcoin’s capped supply, low inflation profile, and proof-of-work mechanism are viewed as structural characteristics that support its store-of-value thesis.

This framing positions Bitcoin alongside traditional defensive assets, rather than treating it solely as a high-growth technology proxy. The limited supply dynamic, in particular, is cited as a differentiating factor in contrast to fiat currency systems.

Internal valuation models reportedly project a potential $100,000 price level within the next 12 months. However, officials noted that these models remain under refinement and are not presented as fixed forecasts.

Allocation Under Consideration

The bank has not finalized a decision regarding portfolio exposure. Instead, it is exploring the possibility of allocating a limited proportion of Bitcoin within select strategies.

The assessment appears to balance Bitcoin’s potential diversification benefits against its historically high volatility and correlation to broader risk assets. Any inclusion would likely reflect a measured approach rather than a concentrated position.

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