Deutsche Bank to launch crypto custody for institutions within weeks
Deutsche Bank to launch crypto custody soon
Deutsche Bank plans to start offering cryptocurrency custody services for corporate and institutional clients in Germany within weeks, according to comments from bank co‑head Gerald Podobnik reported by Reuters. The new service will let clients hold assets such as bitcoin, ether and stablecoins USDC, EURC and EURAU. Deutsche Bank will manage the clients' wallets and private keys, so customers do not need to operate their own custody infrastructure. The September 16 announcement made the launch subject to regulatory approval and noted that crypto assets will not have deposit‑guarantee protection.
Key points
- Launch in Germany within weeks for institutional clients.
- Assets include bitcoin, ether and stablecoins USDC, EURC, EURAU.
- Bank manages wallets and private keys; no deposit protection for crypto.
- Built on Taurus custody technology; Bitpanda's tech unit also involved.
- Expansion into Asian financial centres targeted for 2027.
- Future services will add stablecoin conversion, tokenized deposits and digital bonds.
What the September announcement says
Deutsche Bank's September 16 announcement identified companies, asset managers, hedge funds, custodians, brokers and sovereign institutions as potential clients. It stated that external providers would supply defined technical components without naming them. The service remains subject to completion of regulatory processes.
Additional reporting from Reuters and Bloomberg
Reuters quoted corporate bank co‑head Gerald Podobnik saying the phased rollout will move from custody to services that help clients move money in and out of mainstream stablecoins. Bloomberg reported in July 2025 that Bitpanda's technology unit had been enlisted to help build the service, while Taurus would remain involved.
Confirmed details
The following points are directly supported by the sources:
- Launch timeline: within weeks in Germany.
- Target clients: corporate and institutional, not retail.
- Covered assets: bitcoin, ether, USDC, EURC, EURAU.
- Custody arrangement: Deutsche Bank holds wallets and private keys.
- Regulatory status: subject to regulatory approval.
- Deposit protection: crypto assets will not have bank‑deposit guarantees.
- Technology partners: Taurus (2023 agreement) and Bitpanda (July 2025 report).
- Future roadmap: stablecoin conversion services, tokenized deposits, digital bonds.
- Geographic expansion: Asian financial centres in 2027.
Uncertainties and gaps
The September announcement did not name the external providers that will supply technical components. This lack of detail remains unclear.
Why this matters for the industry
The entry of a major traditional bank into crypto custody signals growing institutional demand and helps bridge TradFi with digital assets. Offering custody without requiring clients to manage their own infrastructure reduces complexity for banks and corporates seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
Planned expansion and future services
After the initial custody launch, Deutsche Bank intends to roll out services that let clients move funds in and out of mainstream stablecoins, offer tokenized deposits and support the issuance of blockchain‑based securities such as digital bonds. The bank also plans to expand the offering to Asian financial centres beginning in 2027.
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.