DZ Bank Obtains MiCAR Go Ahead to Offer Institutional Bitcoin

DZ Bank has received approval to provide cryptocurrency services to institutions, allowing the bank to run its own cryptocurrency platform, MeinKrypto.

Germany’s DZ Bank has received authorization under Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation to provide cryptocurrency services. This would facilitate such institutions in conducting trading activities involving Bitcoin and Cardano through this bank.

DZ Bank Gets Approval Under MiCAR

The bank has recently confirmed that it has officially obtained the MiCAR license from Germany’s financial regulator, BaFin. This will enable it to administer its own cryptocurrency platform, meinKrypto.

The Bank collaborated with Atruvia, the IT service provider for Germany's cooperative banking sector, to develop the meinKrypto platform. It is intended to serve as a completely digital wallet integrated within the VR Banking application. This is intended for self-directed consumers rather than investors who rely on advisory services.

Initially, the site becomes accessible to the central institutions of the cooperatives. Subsequently, each bank must autonomously submit a distinct MiCAR notification to BaFin prior to the commencement of crypto trading for retail clients. Upon approval, users will possess complete authority to buy and sell digital assets directly within DZ Bank's interface without the need to exit the platform.

The initial list of significant cryptocurrencies supported on this platform includes Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Each cooperative bank retains the discretion to decide whether to offer this service or not.

Over one-third of all cooperative banks in Germany intend to introduce cryptocurrency services, according to a September 2025 study published by Genoverband.

Meanwhile, Germany has emerged as the leading center for cryptocurrency growth within Europe. Major exchanges, including OKX, have commenced operations under their MiCA licenses, enabling them to provide passporting services across the European Economic Area.

Germany Accelerates Crypto Integration in Banking and Payments Industries

In addition to DZ Bank's MiCAR, Germany has been advancing its LC access via traditional banking channels as well as through fintech services.

Just last September, Openbank commenced offering cryptocurrency trading services to its clients in Germany. The service will enable clients to invest in, trade, or retain cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Polygon, or Cardano.

Furthermore, the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase partnered with the “Pay by Bank” platform and Tink, a Visa-owned open banking company, to facilitate cryptocurrency payments via bank in the country. It enables users, via this integration, to perform cryptocurrency transactions utilizing bank accounts.

Following DZ Bank, Deutsche Bank also disclosed its intention to engage in cryptocurrency activities, commencing in 2026. The bank has established a partnership with Bitpanda’s technology division to provide cryptocurrency custody services.