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Deutsche Bank will launch a crypto custody service in 2026 with Bitpanda and Taurus.
Malaysia may allow crypto listings without prior SC approval under strict conditions.
Centrifuge and S&P Dow Jones launched the first onchain tokenized S&P 500 index fund.
The cryptocurrency market is going through significant changes in banking, regulation, and blockchain finance. Deutsche Bank has affirmed that it will launch crypto custody by 2026. Additionally, the securities regulator in Malaysia proposed lenient guidelines on listing crypto assets.
Meanwhile, Centrifuge and S&P Dow Jones Indices introduced the first onchain S&P 500 index fund. These changes indicate the growing popularity of traditional finance and legislative changes in the digital asset market. Stay updated with Analytics Insights for daily coverage of the global crypto market.
According to a Bloomberg report, Germany’s Deutsche Bank is preparing to launch a cryptocurrency custody service in 2026. The initiative will partner with Austrian exchange Bitpanda and Swiss technology firm Taurus, both of which are already active in the development of crypto infrastructure.
The custody service would enable clients to store digital assets, such as Bitcoin securely. It marks the bank’s latest move in digital asset services after initially exploring custody solutions in 2020. Deutsche Bank had previously applied for a crypto custody license in Germany, signaling its deeper involvement in blockchain projects. In late 2023, the bank also worked on building a layer-2 blockchain using ZKsync technology.
According to Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank’s digital asset division has expanded rapidly. Sabih Behzad, the head of digital assets, recently affirmed that the bank had an interest in stablecoins, implying that it may either offer its own or join consortium-based initiatives. The institution is also considering utilizing tokenized deposit services to facilitate cross-border payments and enhance settlement efficiency.
In June 2024, Deutsche Bank collaborated with Bitpanda to increase payment efficiency. Subject to regulatory approval, the new custody service is expected to serve institutional clients across Europe.
Also Read: Crypto Prices Today: Bitcoin Price at $106,961, Solana Hits $152.70 Ahead of ETF
The new framework, proposed by the Securities Commission (SC) of Malaysia, would enable digital asset exchanges to list some cryptocurrencies without prior authorization from the regulator. This development has the potential to accelerate the process of incorporating new tokens, provided they meet specific eligibility standards.
Under the proposal, digital assets must be traded for at least one year on a platform compliant with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Additionally, the token must pass a public security audit. The exchanges would bear full responsibility for the listing decision, introducing a shift from regulator-led approvals to operator accountability.
The SC’s consultation paper also addresses which types of assets should remain restricted. The commission is seeking feedback on privacy currencies, such as Monero, cryptocurrencies with low liquidity, and utility tokens. These assets are rated as high risk because of a lack of transparency, speculative volatility, or limited demand.
The proposal has updated governance policies relating to crypto exchanges. Operators would be required to segregate client funds, adopt stringent custody security measures, and ensure financial stability. A senior manager in Malaysia would also be responsible for wallet operations. These actions can minimize the risks associated with insolvency, fraud, and unauthorized relocation of funds.
Blockchain platform Centrifuge has partnered with S&P Dow Jones Indices to tokenize the S&P 500 Index. According to reports, the collaboration has produced the first programmable index fund using smart contracts and official index data.
This development enables the roll-out of licensed asset managers to introduce onchain S&P 500 funds to the standards of institutional quality. The tradable programmable fund may be held, traded, or used as collateral on decentralized finance platforms. The proof-of-index system developed by Centrifuge ensures transparency and compliance by combining verifiable data with secure smart contract logic.
The first onchain product, the Janus Henderson Anemoy S&P 500 Index Fund Segregated Portfolio, is now live. Janus Henderson noted that an earlier tokenized strategy reached $1 billion in assets faster than any previous digital fund. The S&P 500 remains a central benchmark for global financial markets, and this integration could expand its utility in digital asset ecosystems.
Centrifuge's shift towards tokenization indicates the growing popularity in the traditional financial sphere. Nonetheless, the industry continues to emphasize that tokenized assets should offer functional advantages that surpass those of existing financial instruments, including enhanced liquidity, programmability, and automation.
Also Read: Top Altcoins to Watch in July That May Outshine Bitcoin
