DZ Bank Breaks New Ground: Secures MiCAR License for Crypto Trading & Joins Qivalis Stablecoin Push

Germany's DZ Bank just bulldozed another regulatory barrier—grabbing a MiCAR license to dive headfirst into crypto trading. No more dipping toes; they're all-in.

Stablecoins Get a Banking Boost

While traditional finance still sneers at crypto, DZ Bank's joining the Qivalis stablecoin initiative. Because nothing says 'serious' like a 160-year-old institution playing with digital cash.

Why This Hurts Legacy Finance

Banks used to mock crypto as a toy. Now they're scrambling for licenses—while pretending they 'always believed in blockchain.' Next up: Deutsche Bank launches a meme coin?

German Co-Op Banks Look at Crypto Trading

In September 2025, the German Cooperative Banking Association released a poll, which suggested that co-op banks in Germany are considering offering cryptocurrency services such as bitcoin and Ether trading.

The study found that 71% of the country’s 670 Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken banks are looking at crypto, up from 54% last year.

Besides, a third of banks eyeing crypto say they aim to launch services within the next five months.

The meinKrypto platform was developed by Atruvia, the IT service provider for the cooperative financial group, and DZ Bank. Further, Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital will handle the custody of the crypto assets.

DZ Bank Joins Euro Stablecoin Consortium

DZ Bank, the central institution for the country’s co-op banking sector, said in a separate statement on Tuesday that it has joined the European banking consortium Qivalis, for the launch of a regulated stablecoin.

The group of 11 banks plans to introduce its euro stablecoin next year under a new Dutch entity named Qivalis.

“We are delighted to welcome DZ BANK as the eleventh member of the consortium,” said Jan-Oliver Sell, CEO of Qivalis. Their participation strengthens our joint commitment to building a robust, MiCAR-compliant euro stablecoin infrastructure for European businesses and consumers.”

Qivalis is currently seeking approval from the German National Bank (DNB) to establish as an e-money institution. It is aiming for market entry in the second half of 2026.