Germany’s largest financial institution, Deutsche Bank, is reportedly set to launch its crypto custody service in 2026, marking a major step forward in its digital asset strategy. The move is aimed at providing secure storage for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with support from major fintech firms.
Partnerships with Bitpanda and Taurus Strengthen Digital Push
According to sources familiar with the matter, Deutsche Bank will build the new crypto custody solution in partnership with two key players:
- Bitpanda Technology Solutions, a unit of the Austria-based crypto exchange Bitpanda.
- Taurus, a Swiss digital asset infrastructure provider backed by Deutsche Bank itself.
These partnerships are expected to provide the technical backbone for the bank’s foray into digital asset storage. The effort aligns with the bank’s broader strategy to capitalize on Europe’s growing demand for regulated crypto services.
The launch would represent Deutsche Bank’s most significant step into crypto since first revealing interest in 2020.
Deutsche Bank’s Growing Crypto Ambitions
Deutsche Bank has been increasingly active in the digital asset space:
- In 2023, it applied for a digital asset custody license in Germany.
- In 2024, it began working with Bitpanda to streamline crypto payment services.
- In late 2024, reports indicated the bank was building a layer-2 blockchain using ZKsync technology on Ethereum.
- In June 2025, the bank’s head of digital assets, Sabih Behzad, confirmed interest in entering the stablecoin market and possibly issuing its own token.
These developments reflect the bank’s commitment to being a key player in the evolving blockchain ecosystem.
Why Crypto Custody Matters for Traditional Banks
Crypto custody services offer secure storage for digital assets, addressing one of the most pressing concerns for institutional investors — safeguarding private keys and regulatory compliance.
With traditional banks entering the space, institutional trust and mainstream adoption of digital assets may accelerate.
Deutsche Bank’s upcoming service would follow in the footsteps of Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, which also announced plans to enable crypto trading for its 50 million customers by 2026.
A Big Leap for European Crypto Banking
If confirmed, Deutsche Bank’s entry into crypto custody in 2026 will cement its role as a digital finance leader in Europe. With partnerships in place and regulatory frameworks such as MiCA gaining traction, the bank is well-positioned to compete in a fast-evolving market.
As traditional finance and digital assets continue to converge, Deutsche Bank’s bold crypto strategy could inspire other global institutions to follow suit.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.