Deutsche Bank Charges Into Crypto Custody – Full Launch Set for Early 2026

Traditional finance’s slow-motion crypto embrace hits another milestone: Deutsche Bank just put a timestamp on its digital asset custody ambitions.

The 150-year-old giant plays catch-up

While crypto natives built custody solutions during the last bull run, Germany’s largest lender spent 2023-2025 clearing regulatory hurdles. Now the finish line’s in sight—assuming no last-minute ‘risk management reviews’ derail things.

Why custody matters

Institutions won’t touch crypto without armored trucks for their digital gold. Deutsche’s move signals that even conservative banks now see custody as the gateway drug for mainstream crypto adoption.

The cynical take

Nothing motivates traditional finance like FOMO—especially when clients start asking why their private banker can’t hold Bitcoin like that 24-year-old crypto bro neighbor.

Mark your calendars for Q1 2026. Unless, of course, ‘operational complexities’ require just one more delay.