Deutsche Bank and Sparkasse announce crypto entry in 2026

Deutsche Bank and Sparkasse, two of Germany’s largest financial institutions, announced almost simultaneously their entry into the crypto business starting in 2026. The target groups of the two companies could not be more different.

Deutsche Bank and Sparkasse announce crypto entry in 2026

Both Deutsche Bank and Sparkasse have announced their crypto entry in 2026. Both companies are large German financial institutions. A few hours ago, Bloomberg revealed that Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest publicly traded financial institution, is preparing its crypto entry.

“Deutsche Bank aims to launch crypto custody services from 2026,” headlined Bloomberg.

The major German bank apparently aims to serve institutional clients with this new offering. Institutions typically entrust their cryptocurrencies to banks or similar custodians, while private investors either handle this task themselves or delegate it to their crypto exchange.

Deutsche Bank has been preparing for this step since 2022, Bloomberg explains. Recently, regulatory conditions have changed to the extent that the new political circumstances have supported the entry into crypto.

The EU’s crypto legislation, MiCA, came into force in December 2024. A transition period will last until 2026. According to insider reports, Deutsche Bank intends to establish its new business segment on the basis of the new law. Furthermore, a changed market situation in the US has had a positive impact on the company’s stance.

In the United States, a new administration under Donald Trump has been in office since January 2025, which has led to an international popularization of crypto-friendly policies. For example, government Bitcoin reserves are being discussed in more and more countries.

In addition, the Trump administration is known for its crypto-friendly regulations. Since Trump took office, institutional crypto adoption has been increasing in the US.

Deutsche Bank plans to collaborate with the Austrian crypto exchange Bitpanda and the Swiss crypto company Taurus to create the new custody service.

Sparkasse focuses on crypto trading for private investors from 2026

Just yesterday, Bloomberg reported on Sparkasse’s recent decision to offer private investors the opportunity to trade cryptocurrencies starting in summer 2026. Germany’s largest credit institution, with 50 million customers and total assets of €2,500 billion, first considered entering the crypto business in 2021.

At that time, the savings bank rejected this decision – under the pretext that customers had to be protected from “incalculable risks”.

In the meantime, the regulatory landscape has changed so much due to MiCA that entry has become more attractive. Furthermore, demand among customers is high.

“The Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe will create reliable access to a regulated crypto offering,” a spokesperson announced.

However, the bank does not intend to specifically promote cryptocurrencies. According to the Sparkasse, they are highly risky investments. The financial institution therefore clearly warns interested parties against getting involved.

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The Sparkasse’s rhetoric clearly demonstrates its commitment to personal responsibility in this area. They speak of “self-determiners” to whom they want to offer Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for trading.

Details about the upcoming offering are not yet known. Sparkasse plans to handle crypto trading through its subsidiary DekaBank.