Deutsche Boerse Set to Launch Institutional Bitcoin and Ether Custody in 2025
German Exchange Giant Expands Crypto Services Amid Rising Institutional Demand
Deutsche Boerse’s trading arm, Clearstream, is gearing up to introduce cryptocurrency custody and settlement services tailored for institutional clients, with the official launch set for April 2025. This strategic move underscores the increasing appetite for regulated digital asset infrastructure in Europe, according to a Bloomberg report released on March 11.
The German exchange powerhouse will offer secure custody for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) to its extensive network of over 2,500 institutional clients. These services will be facilitated through Crypto Finance AG, a Switzerland-based subsidiary in which Deutsche Boerse acquired a majority stake back in 2021.
Beyond Bitcoin and Ether, Clearstream plans to expand its crypto offerings, incorporating support for additional digital assets, staking, lending, and brokerage services. “With this offering, we are creating a one-stop shop around custody, brokerage, and settlement,” said Jens Hachmeister, head of issuer services and new digital markets at Clearstream, in an interview with Bloomberg.
The launch aligns with the broader shift toward regulated cryptocurrency services in Europe, especially following the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) on December 30, 2024. The regulatory framework aims to establish clearer guidelines for crypto service providers, fostering institutional adoption while ensuring compliance.
This development comes just two months after Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody became the first crypto asset service provider in Germany to secure a full MiCA license. The licensing effort is part of Boerse Stuttgart’s broader strategy to cement its position as a trusted infrastructure provider for banks, brokers, and asset managers.
Regulatory Concerns Loom as MiCA Takes Full Effect
While MiCA is widely regarded as a landmark step toward global crypto regulation, concerns persist over potential regulatory overreach. Some industry experts caution that the stringent compliance requirements could disproportionately impact retail investors and drive certain crypto firms out of Europe.
Dmitrij Radin, founder of Zekret and chief technology officer of Fideum, highlighted the implications for retail users, stating that increased scrutiny could lead to more extensive data collection, tax obligations, and compliance burdens. “Retail users will be way more obligated to provide information, data which will be screened. They will be accounted for. Most Europeans will see taxation,” Radin told Cointelegraph.
Additionally, non-compliant blockchain protocols may face legal actions from European authorities as governments step up enforcement under the new regulatory framework. Some experts warn that the regulatory landscape could drive smaller crypto firms with limited resources to seek refuge in regions with more lenient policies, such as the Middle East.
Despite these concerns, Deutsche Boerse’s entry into the institutional crypto custody space signals growing confidence in the long-term viability of regulated digital asset services in Europe.
