Deutsche Bank starts crypto custody for European institutions

Platform live since 11 November

Deutsche Bank has launched a crypto custody service for companies and institutional clients in Europe, the bank's platform went live on 11 November 2026. The service covers storage and transfer of digital assets; trading is not part of the initial offering.

The launch follows the bank's entry on ESMA's MiCA register on 12 October 2026, with German regulator BaFin listed as the competent authority. According to Liputan6 Crypto, the bank had been preparing the service since 2021, applied for a German licence in 2023 and worked on the technology with Bitpanda and its long-time partner Taurus. In September 2026 it said it aimed to launch before the end of the year.

Five assets at the start

The platform supports five digital assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC and EURC from Circle, and EURAU from AllUnity. The report said the choice reflects the development of the stablecoin market in Europe.

Deutsche Bank manages clients' digital wallets and private keys itself, so customers do not have to build their own storage infrastructure. The bank said protection combines hardware security modules, hot and cold wallets, layered approval systems, separation of duties, and controlled backup and data recovery. Clients reach the service through Autobahn, the bank's digital platform; the infrastructure runs from Germany and serves several European markets.

The bank targets asset managers, hedge funds, custodians, brokers and state institutions. According to the report, crypto assets remain exposed to price swings, fraud and the failure of other parties, and they carry no deposit guarantee like a conventional bank account.

Talks with Deutsche Asset Management

Alongside the launch, Deutsche Bank signed a memorandum of understanding with Deutsche Asset Management, formerly DWS, to explore digital asset products. The two plan to work on a tokenized money market fund, exchange-traded commodities linked to crypto assets, and a stablecoin. Deutsche Asset Management managed about 1.22 trillion euros as of 30 September 2026.

Paul Maley, head of Global Securities and Trust Services at Deutsche Bank, said the bank wants to build an integrated, regulated digital asset ecosystem. “In the medium term, we want to provide an integrated and regulated ecosystem covering custody, tokenisation and settlement of digital assets,” he said.

What the memorandum will produce, and on what timetable, has not been announced.