Deutsche Bank Nears Crypto Custody Launch: Bitcoin and Ether First in Germany, Asia Planned for 2027

By Kevin · 2026-10-18 · News

Oct. 18 (CandyPulse) — One of Europe's biggest banks is about to start holding crypto for its clients. Deutsche Bank is weeks away from launching a crypto custody service in Germany, beginning with bitcoin and ether, with an expansion to Asia planned for 2027.

Corporate bank co-head Gerald Podobnik told Reuters the service is close to going live.

Key takeaways

Deutsche Bank will offer custody for bitcoin and ether, starting in Germany
The service is for institutional and corporate clients, not retail customers
Custody technology comes from Swiss firm Taurus
Asia is the next target, planned for 2027
Fees, client assets and revenue targets have not been disclosed

What is launching

Custody means safely storing digital assets on behalf of clients. For big institutions, a trusted bank holding their crypto can be the difference between staying away and getting involved.

Detail	What we know
First assets	Bitcoin and ether
Who it's for	Asset managers, hedge funds and companies
First market	Germany
Next market	Asia, planned for 2027
Technology partner	Taurus (Switzerland)
Later plans	Stablecoin conversion, tokenized deposits, digital bonds

The Taurus connection

Deutsche Bank is not starting from zero. Swiss firm Taurus provides the custody technology, and Deutsche Bank led a $65 million funding round for Taurus in 2023.

Why it matters

Every time a major bank offers crypto custody, it becomes easier for large investors to take part. It is part of a broader trend of traditional finance moving on chain, from big banks embracing tokenization to tokenized Treasuries used as collateral.

What is still unknown

Deutsche Bank has not shared fees, how much client money is committed, or revenue targets. Later features, such as stablecoin conversion and tokenized deposits, have no firm dates yet.

What's next

Launch: the German service is expected within weeks
2027: expansion to Asian financial centres
Beyond: stablecoins, tokenized deposits and digital bonds

For institutions in Germany, holding bitcoin and ether with a household-name bank is about to become reality.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not financial advice. Crypto assets are volatile and can lose value. Always do your own research before making any investment decision.