BaFin Grants DZ Bank Approval to Launch Crypto Platform meinKrypto

TLDR

• DZ Bank has received approval from BaFin to launch its crypto trading platform meinKrypto.
• The platform will offer retail investors access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano.
• Cooperative banks Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken must submit their own MiCAR notifications for meinKrypto.
• DZ Bank has partnered with Atruvia and Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital to develop and manage the platform.
• DZ Bank is also part of the European consortium Qivalis, planning to launch a regulated euro stablecoin.

Germany’s second-largest lender, DZ Bank, has secured approval from the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) to launch its crypto trading platform, “meinKrypto.” This authorization, granted in December, allows DZ Bank to offer crypto trading services to retail customers through primary institutions. With the approval, DZ Bank aims to offer retail investors access to a range of cryptocurrencies on a regulated platform.

DZ Bank Launches “meinKrypto” Trading Platform

DZ Bank’s crypto trading platform, meinKrypto, will initially offer four cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Cardano (ADA). The platform allows retail customers to trade these assets through their accounts. As part of the launch, the platform will be integrated with the VR banking app, providing users with a wallet for self-directed investing.

To ensure compliance with regulations, DZ Bank has developed meinKrypto in collaboration with Atruvia, the IT service provider for cooperative financial groups. Additionally, Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital will manage the custody of crypto assets. The approval of meinKrypto marks an important step for DZ Bank in bringing cryptocurrency trading to its retail clients.

MiCAR Notification Process for Cooperative Banks

Following the BaFin approval, cooperative banks Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken must submit their own MiCAR notifications to BaFin for “meinKrypto.” The platform will be available to these banks only after they receive authorization. Each cooperative bank will decide individually whether it will implement the crypto trading service.

A recent poll by the German Cooperative Banking Association shows that 71% of Germany’s cooperative banks are considering offering cryptocurrency services. This is up from 54% in the previous year. A third of these banks plan to launch crypto services within the next five months, reflecting a growing interest in the sector.

DZ Bank Joins European Consortium for Stablecoin Project

DZ Bank has also joined the European banking consortium Qivalis to launch a regulated euro stablecoin in 2026. The consortium, comprising 11 banks, aims to introduce the stablecoin through a new Dutch entity. The stablecoin will be fully compliant with MiCAR regulations, providing a stable digital currency for businesses and consumers across Europe.

Qivalis is currently seeking approval from the German National Bank (DNB) to operate as an e-money institution. The consortium’s stablecoin project is expected to launch in the second half of 2026, adding to the growing landscape of regulated digital currencies in Europe. This collaboration underscores DZ Bank’s commitment to expanding its digital asset services and participating in the evolving cryptocurrency market.

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