Germany’s DZ Bank has taken a major step into digital assets after securing approval under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, commonly known as MiCAR. The green light from Germany’s financial regulator BaFin allows the country’s second-largest bank to offer regulated Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading to institutional clients through its new platform, meinKrypto
The approval, finalized in late December 2025 and announced in January 2026, reflects the growing role of crypto within Europe’s traditional banking sector. DZ Bank oversees assets of more than €650 billion and serves as a central institution for hundreds of cooperative banks across Germany.
What the MiCAR License Means for DZ Bank
With MiCAR authorization in place, DZ Bank can operate meinKrypto as a fully compliant crypto trading and custody solution. The platform integrates directly with the VR Banking app, creating a familiar environment for banks and investors.
Institutional clients and cooperative banks can access several major digital assets, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Litecoin (LTC)
Furthermore, cooperative banks that complete their own BaFin filings will be able to roll out crypto services to customers using the same infrastructure.
How meinKrypto Is Built
DZ Bank developed meinKrypto in partnership with Atruvia, the IT provider for Germany’s cooperative banking network. The platform follows strict regulatory standards by separating key functions.
Custody services are handled by Boerse Stuttgart Digital, while EUWAX AG manages trade execution. Therefore, the structure aligns with MiCAR’s requirements for transparency and risk management.
This setup also prepares the platform to serve both institutional investors and self-directed retail users once local banks receive approval.
Industry experts see DZ Bank’s move as a strong signal for crypto adoption within regulated finance. By embedding crypto trading into the systems of more than 670 cooperative banks, the bank lowers barriers to entry for cautious investors.
As more European institutions explore digital assets, regulated platforms like meinKrypto may strengthen confidence in the market. This trend suggests closer cooperation between banks and crypto infrastructure providers across the EU.
