Germany’s Sparkassen Group to Introduce Crypto Trading for Retail Clients

Customers of Sparkassen, Germany’s network of public savings banks, will soon be able to trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through their mobile banking apps, according to a report from Bloomberg.

The historic banking group—whose origins date back to the first savings bank founded in Hamburg in 1778—plans to offer private clients access to crypto trading services via its securities platform, DekaBank. The new feature is expected to launch by the summer of 2026.

This development follows DekaBank’s rollout of crypto trading and custody services for institutional clients earlier this year, signaling a broader shift toward integrating digital assets within traditional banking systems.

The German Savings Bank Association (DSGV) reportedly supports the move, citing increased customer demand and a clearer regulatory framework under Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR).

Earlier this year, Matthias Diessl, president of the Bavarian Savings Banks, told Bloomberg that savings banks should allow customers to trade cryptocurrencies—an opinion that marks a significant shift from the group’s previous cautious stance. Just three years ago, a committee had advised against enabling crypto trading for retail clients.

Despite this growing openness, the DSGV still considers digital assets to be highly speculative investments, reflecting a cautious approach even as customer interest continues to rise.