Germany’s largest banking institution, Deutsche Bank, is preparing to enter the cryptocurrency space with the launch of crypto custody services as early as 2026. The move, first reported by Bloomberg, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing integration of traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem.
Once live, the new service will enable Deutsche Bank’s clients to store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin alongside traditional currencies within the same banking platform. While the bank has yet to make an official announcement, multiple sources familiar with the development confirmed its plans are well underway.
Key Partnerships Powering the Initiative
The custody platform will be developed in partnership with two notable players in the crypto infrastructure space, Bitpanda Technology Solutions, the tech arm of the Austrian crypto exchange Bitpanda, and Taurus, a Swiss-based crypto custody and tokenization provider.
Taurus, which received investment from Deutsche Bank in 2023, will play a crucial role in the backend of the bank’s digital asset storage. Earlier this year, Taurus launched Taurus-PROTECT, a custody solution built on the Solana network, signalling its commitment to scalable blockchain services.
This collaboration suggests that Deutsche Bank is taking a multi-chain approach, with an emphasis on both secure infrastructure and institutional-grade functionality.
Longstanding Interest in Crypto Custody
Deutsche Bank’s interest in the crypto custody space is not sudden. The bank’s initial plans date back to 2020, when a World Economic Forum (WEF) report disclosed its intentions to build a digital asset custody platform for institutional clients.
The report stated:
“Deutsche Bank plans to create a custody platform for institutional clients and their digital assets, granting them seamless connectivity to the broader crypto ecosystem.”
In 2023, the bank took concrete steps in this direction by filing an application with BaFin, Germany’s financial regulatory authority, to obtain a crypto custody licence. Now, the move toward a 2026 launch signals its firm commitment to entering the market.
Growing Footprint in the Crypto Ecosystem
Beyond custody services, Deutsche Bank has been steadily increasing its footprint in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. The bank has voiced support for several pro-crypto initiatives, including the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) in the US and the GENIUS stablecoin legislation.
Additionally, Deutsche Bank is reportedly exploring options in the stablecoin market. According to insiders, it may serve as a reserve manager for an existing stablecoin or even launch its own. This follows its recent successful stablecoin payments trial conducted in collaboration with Standard Chartered via the Universal Digital Payments Network (UDPN).
The bank is also reportedly developing its own Layer-2 blockchain on Ethereum, aiming to solve compliance and scalability issues that currently limit institutional blockchain adoption. While the blockchain has yet to go live, it’s seen as part of a broader push to make Deutsche Bank a major player in the regulated digital finance space.
A Signal to Institutions Worldwide
Deutsche Bank’s entry into the crypto custody business comes at a time when demand for secure, regulated digital asset storage is on the rise. As more institutions explore exposure to cryptocurrencies, the need for custody solutions that comply with global financial standards has become paramount.
If launched successfully, the bank’s platform could encourage other legacy financial players to follow suit, further legitimising digital assets in mainstream finance. For customers, it represents a bridge between the traditional banking experience and the emerging digital economy.
