German Banking Giant Commerzbank Granted Crypto Custody License

Commerzbank has made a significant stride in the digital asset sector by becoming the first German full-service bank to receive a Crypto Custody License. Commerzbank believes the breakthrough positions the bank at the forefront of the burgeoning crypto market in Germany. The firm discloses that the license, granted under the German Banking Act, marks a pivotal move for Commerzbank to develop a comprehensive range of digital asset services, with a focus on crypto assets.

Commerzbank Leads German Banking Sector With First Crypto Custody License, Eyeing Digital Asset Expansion

According to the firm, the acquisition of the Crypto Custody License by Commerzbank is a monumental step in the bank’s journey into the digital asset space. Under the terms of Article 1 Section 1a Sentence 1 No 6 of the German Banking Act (KWG), this license empowers Commerzbank to securely manage and store crypto assets.

Commerzbank stands as a major banking entity in Germany, boasting total assets amounting to €534 billion by September 2022’s end. Catering to an estimated 26,000 corporate clientele groups, the bank also extends its services to nearly 11 million individual and small-business patrons within Germany.

This license is seen as a crucial enabler for the bank to delve deeper into digital asset services, aligning with the growing demand for secure and compliant crypto asset management solutions. The bank’s announcement explains that Commerzbank’s immediate goal is to establish a secure platform that adheres to regulatory standards for its institutional clients.

The Commerzbank crypto platform will focus on providing custody services for digital assets, leveraging blockchain technology. This initiative is part of the bank’s broader strategy to integrate digital innovation into its service offerings, responding to the evolving needs of its client base in the digital economy. The bank’s chief operating officer, Dr Jörg Oliveri del Castillo-Schulz, emphasized the importance of this development.

“Now that we have been granted the licence, we have achieved an important milestone,” the German bank’s COO said in a statement. “This highlights our ongoing commitment to applying the latest technologies and innovations, and it forms the foundation for supporting our customers in the areas of digital assets.”

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