Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest lender, is making a significant move into the world of cryptocurrencies and digital assets. According to a report by Bloomberg on June 20, the financial institution has filed an application to obtain a license for providing digital asset custody services. This move demonstrates Deutsche Bank’s commitment to embracing the growing crypto market and tapping into the potential benefits and opportunities it offers.
David Lynne, the head of Deutsche Bank’s commercial banking arm, confirmed the bank’s intentions, stating, “We’re building out our digital assets and custody business. We just put our application into the Bafin for the digital asset license.” If authorized, this license would allow Deutsche Bank to offer custody services for digital assets like cryptocurrencies.
Crypto custody services involve securely storing and managing digital assets on behalf of institutional and individual investors. These services typically entail safeguarding the private keys necessary for accessing and transferring digital assets, using highly secure offline or online storage solutions. By providing custody services, Deutsche Bank would offer a crucial service to investors, ensuring the safekeeping of their digital assets.
Deutsche Bank’s pursuit of a digital asset license is part of its broader strategy to boost fee income within its corporate banking unit, as stated by David Lynne. By expanding its offerings to include digital asset custody, the bank aims to attract clients interested in venturing into the crypto space while leveraging the potential growth and revenue opportunities associated with cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
Although Deutsche Bank initially hinted at its plans to become a crypto custody provider in late 2020, specific details and a potential timeline have not been disclosed until now. However, this recent application suggests that the bank is actively pursuing its goal of becoming a key player in the crypto custodial services industry.
In April 2023, Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm, DWS, announced a partnership with US-based Galaxy Digital. The collaboration aimed to launch exchange-traded products (ETPs) for digital assets, indicating the bank’s increasing interest and involvement in the cryptocurrency sector.
Deutsche Bank’s entry into the crypto custody market further validates the mainstream adoption and acceptance of digital assets. As more traditional financial institutions like Deutsche Bank recognize the value and potential growth of cryptocurrencies, it signals a significant shift towards wider acceptance and integration of blockchain technology within the financial industry.
If Deutsche Bank’s application is successful, it will join the ranks of other major financial institutions that have ventured into the crypto custody business. This move by Germany’s largest lender could have far-reaching implications for the crypto market, as it brings increased credibility and trust to the industry, attracting more institutional investors and further driving the adoption of digital assets.
