Germany”s second-largest banking institution, DZ Bank, has secured MiCAR approval from BaFin, allowing it to roll out a new retail cryptocurrency trading platform named meinKrypto. This significant development took place in late December, marking a pivotal moment in the growing institutional embrace of digital assets.
The meinKrypto platform aims to facilitate cooperative banks in offering regulated cryptocurrency trading to their clients. Initially, the platform will support trading in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Cardano (ADA). The launch is anticipated to occur soon after the necessary regulatory notifications are completed, strengthening the digital services available within Germany”s cooperative banking network.
Through meinKrypto, DZ Bank has created a standardized solution designed for affiliated institutions, enabling Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken to provide their customers with direct access to cryptocurrency trading. Each cooperative bank must apply for a separate notification to BaFin under MiCAR, allowing them to proceed independently once approved.
The service is integrated into the existing VR Banking app, allowing clients to conduct transactions entirely through digital channels. It is crucial to note that meinKrypto is intended for self-directed investors and does not fall under the advisory services offered by retail banking personnel.
Despite the initial offerings being limited to four cryptocurrencies, individual cooperative banks will have the discretion to expand their offerings based on their adoption strategies. A study conducted by the Cooperative Banking Association in September 2025 indicated that over 33% of these institutions are planning to adopt cryptocurrency trading services in the near future.
Developed in collaboration with Atruvia, meinKrypto will have its crypto custody operations managed by Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital, with EUWAX AG overseeing trade execution. This framework is designed to separate custody from execution, enhancing operational clarity and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The MiCAR framework, which stands for Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, aims to establish a unified legal structure across Europe for cryptocurrency services. It requires financial institutions to obtain specific authorizations, thus promoting investor protection, fostering innovation, and enhancing market stability.
Securing MiCAR approval is a regulatory milestone for DZ Bank, providing cooperative banks with access to compliant infrastructure for cryptocurrency transactions. This lowers operational risks while diversifying digital investment options. The progressive rollout of meinKrypto will depend on the notifications received from individual banks, with all services adhering strictly to MiCAR regulations.
As the landscape of traditional banking evolves, DZ Bank“s move to integrate cryptocurrency trading into its offerings demonstrates a proactive response to the competitive pressures posed by fintech companies. Such regulated access to cryptocurrencies is expected to attract digitally inclined customers and align cooperative banks with shifting investment preferences.
In conclusion, DZ Bank“s MiCAR approval represents a significant advancement for Germany”s banking sector, striking a balance between innovation and regulatory compliance. This initiative is poised to facilitate more extensive retail adoption of cryptocurrencies across the cooperative banking framework in Germany.
