Deutsche Bank plans to roll out a crypto custody service in 2026, partnering with Bitpanda’s technology arm to build the platform, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Key Takeaways:
Deutsche Bank will launch a crypto custody service in 2026 with support from Bitpanda and Taurus. The bank is exploring stablecoins and tokenized deposits, signaling a deeper commitment to digital assets. Major German banks, including Sparkassen and DZ Bank, are also moving into crypto services.The German banking giant’s corporate division will also maintain its collaboration with Swiss provider Taurus SA, which has been involved in Deutsche Bank’s custody plans since they were first unveiled in 2022.
The custody push comes as major financial institutions ramp up digital asset efforts, spurred by evolving regulations in Europe and supportive moves in the U.S. following Donald Trump’s reelection.
Deutsche Bank Expands Crypto Footing
Deutsche Bank confirmed earlier this month that it is exploring stablecoins and tokenized deposits, which could involve issuing its own token or joining broader industry initiatives.
The bank is also weighing the development of a tokenized deposit solution for payments.
Notably, Deutsche Bank was among investors backing a $65 million funding round last year for Taurus, reflecting its growing commitment to the digital asset space.
Deutsche Bank’s crypto expansion comes as a number of major German banks have already begun integrating crypto services.
Just recently, Germany’s Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe announced plans to launch crypto trading for its 50 million customers by summer 2026.
Dekabank, owned by Sparkassen, will oversee the crypto offering through the group’s mobile banking app, enabling direct trading of Bitcoin and Ether.
Likewise, DZ Bank, Germany’s second-largest lender, partnered with Boerse Stuttgart Digital last year to pilot crypto trading and custody services, aiming to expand offerings across its 700 cooperative banks after initial trials.
Meanwhile, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, the country’s biggest federal bank, announced plans in April 2024 to provide crypto custody services for institutional clients in collaboration with Bitpanda.
The momentum isn’t limited to Germany. Speaking in April, Eric Trump warned that banks resisting crypto could become obsolete within a decade, highlighting issues of speed and cost in traditional finance.
Big Banks Change Stance Toward Crypto
Major banks including JPMorgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are meeting with officials in Republican-led states like Texas and Oklahoma to address accusations of political bias, especially toward fossil fuel and firearms industries.
Some states have blacklisted these banks from contracts, prompting banks to defend or adjust their policies.
Citigroup ended its restriction on working with firearms vendors selling to buyers under 21, while JPMorgan and others clarified they don’t base lending decisions on political views.
Banks are also retreating from climate-focused alliances and easing restrictions on coal financing to avoid further backlash.
At the federal level, the Trump administration is considering an executive order to prohibit banks from denying services based on political or religious beliefs, which could affect banks’ participation in government business, including selling Treasury bonds.
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