Top German Bank Enters Crypto Market with Trading and Custody Services for Institutions

A major player in Germany’s financial sector, DekaBank, has taken a significant step into the crypto industry by launching trading and custody services for institutional investors.

Managing nearly $400 billion in assets, the Frankfurt-based institution is signaling a growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance.

DekaBank’s move comes after two years of preparation, during which it secured regulatory approval from Germany’s BaFin. The bank’s crypto custody license allows it to offer secure asset storage under the German Bank Act, ensuring compliance with strict financial regulations. Its services will primarily cater to institutional clients, including Germany’s largest financial group, Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe.

According to a bank representative, DekaBank has built a strong infrastructure capable of supporting institutional engagement in digital assets, offering both security and regulatory compliance.

The bank’s expansion into crypto aligns with a broader trend of financial institutions embracing digital currencies. As Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets gain legitimacy among investors, traditional firms are increasingly integrating crypto into their offerings.

Regulatory shifts in the U.S. and Europe are also influencing this shift, with policymakers gradually creating clearer frameworks for institutional crypto involvement. Meanwhile, other industry players are making similar moves—Binance US recently reintroduced USD deposit and withdrawal options, further bridging the gap between crypto and conventional banking.

DekaBank’s foray into digital assets is a testament to the evolving financial landscape, where institutional interest in cryptocurrencies is no longer a niche development but a growing part of mainstream finance.