Deutsche Bank Plans 2026 Crypto Custody Debut: Are Top Banks Warming Up To Web3?

Deutsche Bank has confirmed it will roll out a crypto custody service in 2026. But this time, targeted groups would be institutional clients through regulated infrastructures for storing and managing digital assets like BTC ▲3.18% and tokenized deposits.

Partnering with Bitpanda and Taurus SA, the bank aims to establish itself as a serious player in the institutional-grade crypto services. But this is not something that has been brewing recently. This move follows years of behind-the-scenes development and growing support from regulators across Europe and the U.S.

(BTCUSDT)

Partners, Tech, and Project Scope: Deutsche Bank Crypto Strategy

Deutsche Bank’s upcoming crypto custody platform is the result of efforts that date back to its initial interest in Web3 in 2022. Set for debut in 2026, the platform is being developed in partnership with Bitpanda Technology Solutions, which will provide modular and scalable crypto solutions.

Deutsche Bank plans to launch a cryptocurrency storage service in 2026. bloomberg pic.twitter.com/jEZZGYNFGu

— Cryptocurrency Inside (@Crypto_Inside_) July 1, 2025

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Swiss custody specialist Taurus SA, already backed and partially funded by Deutsche Bank, will contribute its institutional-grade digital asset management technology. Together, they will aim to deliver a secure, compliant solution built explicitly for large-scale clients such as hedge funds, corporates, and treasuries.

The platform plans are not to stop at simple Bitcoin storage. According to reports from Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank’s Web3 strategy also includes plans to issue its stablecoin. Launch tokenized deposit products and support an Ethereum Layer-2 solution via ZKsync known as Project Dama 2.

This Layer 2 integration will focus on enhancing on-chain compliance and transaction efficiency. That suggests the bank is thinking beyond storage and towards active infrastructure participation in blockchain finance.

JUST IN: Deutsche Bank’s DWS, Galaxy, and Flow Traders to launch Germany-regulated euro stablecoin under MiCA rules. pic.twitter.com/TOZHBNSiFu

— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) July 2, 2025

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These plans position Deutsche Bank as a long-term, regulated infrastructure provider to some serious money. The custody platform, which will be embedded in its corporate banking unit, is designed to mirror traditional custody practices, including cold storage, regulatory reporting, and compliance architecture.

Backed up by regulatory stability, the bank is diving deep into Web3 and complies with MiCA in Europe and the latest OCC guidance in the U.S.

Why This Move Aligns With Global Web3 Adoption Among Banks

Deutsche Bank is not an isolated move in the crypto space. The 2026 custody rollout reflects a wave of traditional banks entering the digital asset market. The shift is driven by rising institutional demand and supported by improved regulatory clarity, especially in Europe under the MiCA framework. MiCA offers a balanced legal approach to crypto across the EU, allowing banks to build services without any legal hurdles.

Europe regulators have released a draft test to classify crypto-assets under #Mica.

Let’s break it down.

What is MiCA?

MiCA (Markets in #Crypto-Assets Regulation) is an #EU regulation designed to create a comprehensive framework for crypto-assets. It aims to:

1⃣ Regulate… pic.twitter.com/0RkdlhKf0N

— Stefan Luebeck (@CryptoEva) July 19, 2024

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On the other side of the Atlantic, updated guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in May 2025 permits federally chartered U.S banks to offer crypto custody.

This regulatory alignment is prompting several banks to gear up as well. Sparkassen, another major German institution, is launching crypto trading for retail clients. Standard Chartered is securing MiCA licenses for digital asset custody.

Meanwhile, Citi, HSBC, BNY Mellon, and State Street are rolling out tokenization and custody platforms to serve hedge funds and institutional asset managers. The sole purpose of those banks is to integrate digital assets into traditional finance architecture.

NEW: BNY Mellon, one of the largest traditional banks, will be allowed to custody Bitcoin under SAB 121, marking a significant shift in how Bitcoin is handled by institutions.

WATCH NOW: Swan CEO, Cory Klippsten explores what this means for the future of Bitcoin custody,… pic.twitter.com/5zrb9kpt5y

— Swan (@Swan) October 18, 2024

What Deutsche Bank’s entry adds to the crypto world is credibility. Unlike startups or fintech companies, DB has compliance departments, audit processes, and institutional trust needed to bridge regulated finance and the crypto space.

With over 150 years of banking history, and embracing the tokenization, stablecoins, and Layer 2 network, Deutsche Bank is marking a turning point. The arrival of real banks in real Web3 infrastructure.

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