Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe to Launch Crypto Trading for 50 Million Customers by 2026

Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, Germany’s largest financial institution, is preparing to launch crypto trading services for its more than 50 million customers by mid-2026. The move reflects a fresh path for the traditionally cautious banking group and could accelerate crypto’s foothold in Europe’s banking sector. The new service will be offered through the Sparkasse app and managed by Dekabank, an asset manager already active in crypto and fully owned by the Sparkassen group.

The German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) confirmed the rollout, stating that the group will offer “reliable access to a regulated crypto offering,” now backed by the European Union’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework, which came into effect in December 2023. This initiative comes a decade after Sparkassen blocked crypto purchases altogether, citing risk and volatility. While it’s now embracing digital assets, the group isn’t throwing caution to the wind. DSGV reiterated that “cryptocurrencies are highly speculative investments,” adding there will be no advertising for the service and that users will receive clear warnings about risks, including the potential for “total loss.”

Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is a major player in German finance, comprising more than 370 savings banks, 500 affiliated companies, and over €2.5 trillion in total assets. The move comes as other German financial institutions also step into crypto. DZ Bank, the country’s second-largest, launched a crypto trading and custody pilot in 2024, and plans to expand access across its cooperative banks. DZ Bank partnered with Boerse Stuttgart Digital to provide cryptocurrency trading and custody services to its cooperative bank network. This collaboration will allow 700 banks under DZ Bank to offer retail clients access to digital assets like Bitcoin and Ether.

Separately, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg partnered with Bitpanda to offer crypto custody for institutional clients. Crypto Finance, a subsidiary of Germany’s largest stock exchange operator Deutsche Börse, also signed a deal with Commerzbank to provide trading services for the bank’s corporate clients. This partnership came just two weeks after Crypto Finance reached a similar agreement with Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) in Switzerland. Commerzbank, Germany’s second-largest bank by branches, now offers custody services as part of the collaboration. The trading service, which focuses on Bitcoin and Ether, is available to clients based in Germany.

This initiative by Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is expected to have a significant impact on the adoption of cryptocurrencies in Germany. By leveraging its extensive customer base and established infrastructure, the banking group aims to make crypto trading more accessible and mainstream. This move is seen as a positive step towards wider adoption of digital assets, providing a trusted and regulated platform for users to engage with cryptocurrencies. The integration of crypto trading services aligns with Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe's strategy to stay at the forefront of financial innovation while providing a comprehensive range of services to its customers. The rollout will be managed by Dekabank, ensuring that users can access a regulated crypto service within the familiar interface of their banking app, without the need for additional downloads or new accounts. The design of the feature is intended to be user-friendly, maintaining the same interaction experience that customers are accustomed to with their regular banking activities. The German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) has emphasized the speculative nature of crypto investments, warning users about the potential risks involved. There will be no promotional advertisements for the service, and customers will be clearly informed about the possibility of losing their entire investment. This cautious approach reflects the banking group's commitment to transparency and risk management.