30-6-2025 – Germany’s Sparkasse has overturned its long-standing prohibition on cryptocurrency trading, paving the way for private clients to engage with digital assets such as Bitcoin. This transformative move, announced by the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV), marks a significant departure from tradition for the nation’s venerable savings bank network. Concurrently, the cooperative banking system, Volks- und Raiffeisenbanken, is forging ahead with its own plans to introduce similar services, targeting a launch this summer.
The DSGV revealed that Sparkasse’s financial group is committed to establishing a secure and regulated pathway for cryptocurrency trading. Clients who prefer autonomous decision-making will soon access these services through the Sparkasse app, facilitated by DekaBank, a securities service provider co-owned by local savings banks. DekaBank is diligently developing the infrastructure, with an anticipated completion by summer 2026, enabling clients to seamlessly trade digital currencies.
This progressive stance contrasts sharply with the savings bank system’s position three years ago, when an internal committee advised against venturing into cryptocurrency services. However, evolving market dynamics and rising client interest have prompted a rethink. In April, Matthias Dießl, chairman of the Bavarian Savings Banks Association, underscored this shift in an interview with Bloomberg, advocating that “savings banks must provide cryptocurrency trading opportunities to meet client demand.” This sentiment reflects a broader recognition of the growing appetite for digital assets among German investors.
By embracing cryptocurrency trading, Sparkasse and Volks- und Raiffeisenbanken are positioning themselves at the forefront of financial innovation in Germany. Their commitment to regulated, user-friendly services signals a bold step towards integrating digital currencies into mainstream banking, promising to reshape the financial landscape for clients nationwide.
