Traditional banks are increasingly registering as crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, with German institutions spearheading this significant trend. In recent months, the proportion of traditional banks on the MiCA register has climbed from approximately 17% to nearly 23%, signaling a notable shift in engagement with digital assets by established financial players.
The number of registered banks has nearly doubled, rising from around 40 to close to 80. This growth rate for banks outpaces that of non-bank CASPs. Overall, the total number of registered CASPs on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) ledger increased from 243 in late June 2026 to 349 by mid-September 2026. While non-bank providers still constitute the majority of CASPs at 77%, the pace of bank registration indicates an acceleration in their participation.
Germany is identified as the primary driver of this trend. Both established commercial banks and a significant number of regional cooperative banks, known as Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, are actively registering with ESMA. This surge in activity from German financial institutions contrasts with a more hesitant approach observed in other European markets.
Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest lender, has announced plans to offer digital asset custody services targeting institutional and corporate clients. The bank aims to secure MiCA regulatory approval by October 2026, positioning itself as a prominent traditional finance entity entering the European crypto custody market.
A key factor facilitating this increased participation for banks is Article 60 of the MiCA regulation. This provision allows banks to leverage their existing regulatory standing through a notification route, enabling them to fast-track their entry into crypto services. This pathway is generally less time-consuming than the full licensing process faced by crypto-native firms starting from scratch, contributing to the observed growth in bank registrations.
This trend indicates a maturing crypto-asset market within the EU, with established financial institutions actively navigating the regulatory landscape. The increasing presence of traditional banks on the MiCA register, particularly driven by German entities, highlights a strategic engagement with digital assets facilitated by regulatory pathways.
Why This Matters
The materials describe a narrow update: The proportion of traditional banks registered as crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under the EU’s MiCA regulation has increased from approximately 17% to nearly 23% in a few months. The growth rate of banks on the MiCA register outstrips that of their non-bank counterparts.
Broader Context
Source materials place the factual news in this context: MiCA register.
