Cryptocurrency banking expanded significantly as major financial institutions introduced Bitcoin trading, digital asset custody and stablecoin services. Banks including Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered and BNY now provide regulated cryptocurrency infrastructure, although eligibility varies by country and customer category.
Germany's Deutsche Bank launched its Digital Asset Custody service in November 2026, targeting corporate and institutional clients. The platform supports five digital assets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, EURC and EURAU.
Clients can safeguard and transfer cryptocurrencies while the bank manages wallets and private keys. Reuters also reported that Deutsche Bank plans to expand digital asset services into Asian financial centres during 2027.
Standard Chartered expanded cryptocurrency services across the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates. In October 2026, the bank introduced Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for eligible wealthy UAE clients, combining execution, custody and settlement. Its July 2026 partnership with Circle also enables institutional clients to mint and redeem USDC through integrated banking infrastructure.
BNY, formerly Bank of New York Mellon, provides cryptocurrency custody for institutional investors. On October 8, 2026, the bank announced it would expand into the European Union under the Markets in Crypto-Assets regulatory framework.
According to BNY, its European banking entity entered the relevant MiCA register in July, enabling regulated custody, administration and cryptocurrency transfers.
Spain's BBVA offers cryptocurrency trading and custody to eligible retail customers, unlike banks that serve institutions exclusively.
The bank introduced Bitcoin services in Switzerland in 2021. Its Spanish offering expanded access to Bitcoin and Ethereum under European regulatory requirements.
Singapore's DBS provides digital asset trading through DBS Digital Exchange for eligible institutional investors and accredited wealth clients. Its infrastructure combines cryptocurrency execution with custody arrangements. DBS also offers crypto-linked investment products, including options and structured notes, to qualifying customers.
US Bank offers Bitcoin custody to selected institutional investment managers through a limited-access program, rather than unrestricted retail cryptocurrency trading. Anchorage Digital Bank, a federally chartered American digital asset bank, specializes in institutional custody and related services.
Switzerland-based AMINA Bank combines traditional banking functions with cryptocurrency custody and trading services. Its regulated model targets investors seeking access to digital assets through a banking relationship.
Not every crypto-friendly bank allows direct Bitcoin purchases. Some provide only custody, investment products or institutional settlement infrastructure. Before choosing a provider, customers should compare supported tokens, trading fees, withdrawal permissions, regulatory authorization and private-key arrangements.
Cryptocurrency holdings generally do not receive the same deposit protection as ordinary bank balances. Bank participation indicates growing institutional adoption, but access remains selective and digital assets retain substantial market and custody risks.
Also Read: Japan's Minna Bank Joins Hands With Backpack to Explore Crypto Banking
1. Which banks offer cryptocurrency services in 2026?
Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, BNY, BBVA, DBS, U.S. Bank and AMINA Bank are among the institutions offering cryptocurrency-related services. Their offerings include digital asset custody, Bitcoin trading and institutional settlement solutions.
2. Can customers buy Bitcoin directly through traditional banks?
Yes, selected banks, including BBVA, offer Bitcoin buying and selling services to eligible customers. However, cryptocurrency trading availability depends on the bank, customer eligibility and local regulations.
3. Does Deutsche Bank support Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2026?
Yes, Deutsche Bank's Digital Asset Custody service supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, EURC and EURAU. The service primarily targets institutional and corporate clients rather than everyday retail customers.
4. Which banks provide cryptocurrency custody services?
BNY, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, DBS and Anchorage Digital Bank provide various digital asset custody solutions. These services help eligible customers safeguard cryptocurrencies through regulated institutional infrastructure.
5. Are cryptocurrency services offered by banks safe and regulated?
Banks offering cryptocurrency services generally operate within applicable financial regulations, but protections vary by jurisdiction and product. Cryptocurrency investments remain exposed to market volatility, cybersecurity threats and potential losses, and typically do not qualify for standard deposit insurance.
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