Deutsche Boerse to Launch Crypto Custody Services in 2025

Deutsche Boerse, through its trading unit Clearstream, is set to introduce cryptocurrency custody and settlement services tailored for institutional clients by 2025. This initiative is driven by the rising demand for regulated digital asset infrastructure. The German exchange group intends to offer custody services for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) to its extensive client base of over 2,500 institutional investors, with the services slated to commence in April 2025.

Clearstream will deliver these digital asset services via Crypto Finance AG, a subsidiary based in Switzerland. Deutsche Boerse acquired a majority stake in Crypto Finance AG in 2021, positioning itself to leverage the subsidiary's expertise in the cryptocurrency domain. The plan includes not only Bitcoin and Ether custody but also support for additional cryptocurrencies and a range of diversified services such as staking, lending, and brokerage capabilities.

Jens Hachmeister, the head of issuer services and new digital markets at Clearstream, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the offering. "With this offering, we are creating a one-stop shop around custody, brokerage, and settlement," he stated. This move aligns with the broader trend in Europe towards regulated crypto services, following the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which became fully effective for crypto asset service providers on December 30, 2024.

The institutional offering from Deutsche Boerse comes nearly two months after Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody received Germany’s first full license under MiCA. This license is part of Boerse Stuttgart’s broader strategy to establish itself as a regulated infrastructure provider for banks, brokers, and asset managers, further solidifying the region's commitment to integrating cryptocurrencies into traditional financial systems.