Bitcoin and Ethereum Custody Goes Institutional — Backed by Clearstream’s Global Might

Deutsche Börse Group, through its post-trade business unit Clearstream, is set to launch custody and settlement services for institutional clients in the digital asset space in April 2025. This initiative marks a strategic move to meet the growing demand for regulated digital asset infrastructure. The service will initially support Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Over 2,500 institutional clients will gain access to these services through their existing Clearstream Banking S.A. (Luxembourg, CBL) accounts, leveraging well-established connectivity formats such as SWIFT.

The custody and settlement solution will be underpinned by Crypto Finance AG, a majority-owned subsidiary of Deutsche Börse Group and a regulated entity under Switzerland's Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Crypto Finance obtained a MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license in January 2025, enabling it to operate across Europe and ensure regulatory compliance. Jens Hachmeister, Head of Issuer Services & New Digital Markets at Clearstream, emphasized that this offering represents a significant step in the digitization of financial markets. The institutional-grade, regulated solution allows clients to access new asset classes while benefiting from the robustness of Clearstream’s established post-trade systems.

The integration of digital assets into traditional financial services is also evident in the broader European context. The implementation of MiCA, which fully comes into effect on December 30, 2024, has accelerated institutional interest in regulated crypto services. For instance, Boerse Stuttgart Digital became the first German provider of digital assets to obtain a full MiCA license in January 2025. This regulatory shift has created a more favorable environment for traditional financial institutions to explore digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Looking ahead, Clearstream plans to expand its digital asset services beyond custody and settlement. The company aims to introduce staking, lending, and brokerage services for cryptocurrencies. Stijn Vander Straeten, CEO of Crypto Finance, highlighted that the offering positions Deutsche Börse Group uniquely in the digital assets industry. The integration of traditional financial rails with native crypto services makes the solution particularly attractive for institutional clients seeking seamless access to the crypto market.

The institutional adoption of digital assets is gaining momentum globally. In the U.S., major banks such as JPMorgan and Wells Fargo are increasing their exposure to Bitcoin through ETFs, signaling a broader acceptance of the asset class in traditional finance. In Europe, the MiCA framework has provided the regulatory clarity necessary for traditional institutions to engage more confidently with digital assets. As a result, international banking clients have shown a strong demand for crypto support since the regulation’s introduction.

With over €21 trillion in assets under custody, Clearstream is one of the largest post-trade service providers globally. Its entry into the Bitcoin custody market is a significant milestone for traditional finance, reflecting the growing integration of digital assets into mainstream financial systems. The move underscores Deutsche Börse Group’s commitment to innovation while maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance in the digital asset space.