Banks double on EU MiCA crypto provider list as share hits 23%
Banks double on EU MiCA crypto provider list
Traditional banks now account for nearly one in four providers on the European Securities and Markets Authority's crypto register. Their number doubled from about 40 in late June to about 80 by Sept. 16, 2026, according to a Cointelegraph analysis of ESMA data.
MiCA is the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets rulebook. It sets rules for companies that offer crypto-asset services, such as exchanges, wallets, or custodians.
Key numbers
- Total listed crypto-asset service providers rose from 243 to 349 between June 26 and Sept. 16.
- Banks' share of listed providers rose from about 17% to nearly 23%.
- Non-bank providers still make up the majority, but their share fell from about 84% to 77%.
What the ESMA register shows
The register is maintained by ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority. The Cointelegraph review used MiCA register data from ESMA. The data shows a faster rise in banks than in non-bank providers, even though both groups added more providers in absolute terms.
German banks drive the shift
Germany added many banks, including cooperative and commercial names. New entries included Deutsche Bank, Germany's largest lender. A Deutsche Bank spokesperson told Cointelegraph that the bank expects to receive regulatory approval under MiCA in October for digital asset custody services for institutional and corporate clients in Europe.
Other German additions included Volksbank, Raiffeisenbank and VR Bank institutions.
Why this matters
Banks can enter MiCA through a notification route under Article 60. Instead of applying for standard crypto-asset service provider authorization, a credit institution can provide crypto-asset services after sending required information to its home regulator at least 40 working days before starting.
The change matters because regulated crypto services are not only coming from crypto companies. Traditional banks, including regional cooperative banks, are also appearing on the EU's MiCA register.
What happens next
Deutsche Bank said it expects regulatory approval under MiCA in October.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.