German banking sector cryptocurrency expansion

German financial institutions are expanding their digital asset offerings. Deutsche Bank is preparing to launch institutional cryptocurrency custody services in Germany within weeks, having received authorization from the financial regulator, BaFin, under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.

The service targets corporate clients rather than retail customers, providing wallet technology and private key infrastructure to manage technical requirements. Initial support will include Bitcoin, Ether, and stablecoins such as USDC, EURC, and the euro-pegged EURAU. Deutsche Bank also intends to offer stablecoin conversions, tokenized deposits, and assistance with issuing digital bonds or blockchain-based securities. This strategy aims to support a projected 8% compound annual growth rate in corporate banking revenue between 2025 and 2028, with plans to expand into Asian financial centers like Hong Kong and Singapore by 2027.

Simultaneously, the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV) is conducting a phased rollout of cryptocurrency trading for private customers through Sparkassen mobile applications. Provided by DekaBank, this service includes assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana, and Polygon. The rollout is expected to add 30 to 40 banks per month, aiming to connect a large portion of interested savings banks by the first half of 2027.