German Banking Giant Plans Crypto Rollout For 2026

German banking giant Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe reportedly has plans to adopt crypto trading services, giving its more than 50 million customers access to crypto trading by the summer of 2026 in a major shift for the institution.

Dekabank, a bank already involved in crypto, has been tapped to manage the new crypto service through the Sparkasse app, Bloomberg reported on Monday. Dekabank is owned by Sparkassen, also known as the Savings Banks Financial Group.

“The Savings Banks Finance Group will provide reliable access to a regulated crypto offering,” the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) said.  

Adding that, the crypto service is responding to a demand and is already covered under the European Union’s regulatory framework for crypto, MiCA, which came into force in December.

Bank relents on crypto skepticism

Sparkassen executives previously ruled out any crypto-related services, citing volatility and risk concerns; the banking giant also blocked crypto purchases for all customers back in 2015.

While there has been a shift in direction, the DSGV reportedly said its “position remains clear, cryptocurrencies are highly speculative investments,” adding that there will be no advertising for the new service, and customers will be informed about risks, including the “potential for total loss.”