Deutsche Bank AG is planning to roll out its digital asset custody service in 2026, marking a significant step in its broader digital finance strategy. According to a Reuters report citing individuals familiar with the matter, the bank is partnering with Bitpanda Technology Solutions—the infrastructure arm of Austrian crypto exchange Bitpanda—for the development of this platform.
This initiative builds on Deutsche Bank’s earlier efforts, which began taking shape publicly in 2022. The bank will also maintain its collaboration with Taurus SA, a Swiss-based technology provider that specialises in digital asset infrastructure. Deutsche Bank previously backed Taurus in a $65 million investment round held in 2023.
Neither Deutsche Bank nor Bitpanda Technology Solutions have offered public comments on the reported plans.
The bank’s move comes at a time when traditional financial institutions are increasing their engagement with crypto-related services. Regulatory developments in Europe and a friendlier policy environment in the US are contributing to this trend. Recent political shifts in the US—most notably the re-election of Donald Trump—have brought renewed optimism to the crypto sector, particularly as pro-crypto figures take on key regulatory roles and stablecoin regulation gains traction.
Deutsche Bank has also confirmed that it is evaluating various forms of digital currency infrastructure, including stablecoins and tokenised deposits. The bank is reportedly considering the possibility of issuing its own token or collaborating in an industry-led initiative aimed at payment innovation through tokenisation.
These efforts reflect a wider strategic alignment among major banks as they look to offer secure digital asset solutions to institutional clients, with regulated custody services being a key part of that roadmap.