• Deutsche Bank plans to launch a crypto custody service in 2026 in partnership with Bitpanda and Taurus.
  • The bank is also exploring stablecoin issuance and developing tokenised deposit solutions.

Germany’s largest bank, Deutsche Bank, is reportedly preparing to launch a digital asset custody service in 2026, marking a significant expansion of its crypto ambitions.

According to a Bloomberg report, the bank will collaborate with Austria-based crypto exchange Bitpanda and Swiss technology firm Taurus, which is backed by Deutsche Bank.

The move signals a renewed push into the digital asset space, building on plans first revealed in 2020.

The upcoming custody service will allow Deutsche Bank clients to store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, aligning with growing institutional interest in crypto infrastructure across Europe.

While Deutsche Bank did not immediately respond to media inquiries, the move highlights its continued interest in the crypto sector. Bitpanda declined to confirm or deny the report.

This is not Deutsche Bank’s first crypto-related initiative. In 2023, the bank disclosed plans to launch crypto custody services with Taurus after applying for a digital asset custody license in Germany.

It has also been working with Bitpanda to improve crypto payment capabilities since at least June 2024.

Broader Digital Asset Strategy

Deutsche Bank’s digital assets team is actively exploring multiple avenues in the crypto space.

In early June, Sabih Behzad, the bank’s head of digital assets, said Deutsche Bank was evaluating opportunities in the stablecoin market, including issuing its stablecoin or joining consortium-led projects.

“We can certainly see the momentum of stablecoins along with a regulatory supportive environment, especially in the US,” Behzad said.
“Banks have a wide variety of options available to engage in the stablecoin industry — everything from acting as a reserve manager, through to issuing their own stablecoin, either alone or in a consortium.”

The bank is also reportedly considering developing its own tokenised deposit solution and previously explored launching an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain using ZKsync technology.

The announcement closely follows Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe’s plans to introduce crypto trading services for its 50 million customers, indicating broader momentum among traditional financial institutions in Germany entering the digital asset market.

Edited by Annette George