Bitcoin and Crypto market in Italy: whats changing in 2025
A market balancing between enthusiasm and caution
The world of cryptocurrencies continues to swing between two extremes: on one side, a technological utopia rooted in decentralisation and disintermediation; on the other, the very real need to protect users and establish a stable regulatory framework. Somewhere in the middle are operators working to bridge the gap between these two realities, especially in markets like Italy, where the crypto ecosystem is still in a consolidation phase.
, Italy’s Country Manager at YouHodler, knows this well. In this interview, he shares the bright spots and shadowy corners of a constantly evolving sector. According to De Angelis, the Italian crypto market is moving at two different speeds. On one side, the retail world is still cooling off:
The average investor is hesitant. The market is bearish, and enthusiasm is lacking. People are afraid to enter.
On the other hand, the institutional segment is moving forward with conviction:
Wall Street made the first move with ETFs. Italian banks are starting to test the waters with small investments. Its a true bull run for institutional players.
Bridging traditional finance and the crypto world
In this fluid landscape, YouHodler positions itself as a hybrid player – not a bank, not an exchange, and not a pure DeFi project, but a regulated ecosystem where users can access crypto tools like secured loans, interest accounts, and structured products in a simple, secure, and EU-compliant way.
The keyword, says De Angelis, is simplification:
Many people recognise the Bitcoin logo but dont know how to buy it. We aim to be that first step: easy but regulated access to the crypto world.
And regulation, for YouHodler, is not a roadblockits a differentiator. The company is already a licensed financial intermediary in Switzerland and is registered as a VASP with the OAM in Italy, where it has also initiated the application for the MiCA license. A move that demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its presence in the country.
Stricter rules, greater trust: MiCA as a watershed moment
The EUs regulation marks a turning point for the entire industry. De Angelis doesnt mince words:
Its a step forward. But we need to be cautious – too many rules risk sinking the sector. Tether has already exited Europe.
Hes referring to the fact that USDT, the most widely used stablecoin, does not meet the new MiCA requirements (such as holding bank reserves equal to 60% of issued value). This led YouHodler to delist USDT from its Earn feature, keeping only compliant stablecoins such as USDC.
But theres a positive side, the country manager, Matteo De Angelis, explains:
MiCA will act as a natural filter for serious players. Goodbye to offshore companies and crypto pirates. Only those who are accountable will remain.
Trust, security, and transparency: the real value proposition
After the collapse of giants like FTX, its no longer enough for a crypto company to simply have a product – it needs to build trust with users.
Were not here just to sell. Were here to explain, support, and respond. Thats what builds lasting trust.
YouHodler relies on strong partnerships – most notably with Ledger Vault, which insures fund custody up to $100 million – and a technical infrastructure that, since 2016, has never suffered a data breach or hacker attack.
But perhaps the most crucial element is operational transparency: clear costs, accessible support, and no surprises. In a world that often hides behind complexity, clarity becomes a competitive edge.
Financial education: the key to transforming the market
A recurring theme in the interview is the role of financial education. In Italy, De Angelis admits, theres still a long way to go:
I studied at a scientific high school and learned Latin, but no one ever taught me what a mortgage is. That has to change.
YouHodler has developed an educational section on its platform, where users can learn about concepts like market cap, supply, and the difference between tokens and coins. The goal isnt just to sell a service, but to shape a new generation of conscious users who approach crypto not as gamblers, but as informed investors.
Looking ahead: tokenisation and banking partnerships
Looking to the next twelve months, De Angelis foresees a slowdown in stablecoins and CeFi staking due to MiCA-related restrictions. But he sees tokenisation as one of the most promising segments:
Its useful, tangible, and well-suited to institutional players. Thanks to blockchain, we might even do without notaries.
Moreover, integration between banks and crypto platforms is, in his view, the true game-changer:
When a financial advisor can sell Bitcoin to their neighbour, thatll be the beginning of a new era. And I hope it arrives soon.
Crypto Italy: a bet on transparency
YouHodler isnt a platform trying to ride the hype wave. Its a project built on compliance, simplicity, and trust – facing one of the most complex challenges of our time: merging crypto innovation with the rules of traditional finance.
We believe in it. We believe in Italy, we believe in institutions. And we want to be part of this change.
With MiCA licensing as a short-term goal and a transparency-driven strategy, YouHodler is positioning itself as one of the frontrunners in Italys evolving crypto landscape. The revolution is underway – but this time, it wants a face, a name, and a license.
This article was first published in Italian on 18 June 2025.
