DZ Bank gains MiCAR approval, enabling cooperative banks to offer regulated retail crypto trading through the integrated meinKrypto platform.
Germany’s second-largest banking group DZ Bank has received MiCAR approval from BaFin in late December. The approval permits it to start using its new crypto platform, meinKrypto. The move indicates the ramped institutional adoption of digital assets. Moreover, it offers cooperative banks a regulated entry into the business of retail cryptocurrency services.
DZ Bank Opens Regulated Crypto Access for Cooperative Banks
DZ Bank said meinKrypto will serve cooperative banking institutions with retail crypto trading. At first, the platform supports BTC, ETH, LTC and ADA. Furthermore, the service should be live soon after regulatory notifications. This development reinforces digital offers in the cooperative financial network in Germany.
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With meinKrypto, DZ Bank developed a standardized crypto solution for affiliated institutions. Therefore, Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken can provide their customers with direct trading in crypto assets. However, separate notification of BaFin for MiCAR, each bank has to apply. After approval, the implementation can proceed independently.
The service is integrated into the existing VR Banking app. As such, customers are able to invest 100% through digital channels. Importantly, meinKrypto is only aimed at self-directed investors. This is not a part of the advisory services provided by retail banking staff.
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Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano are still available at launch. However, every cooperative bank determines individually on adoption. According to the German study by the Cooperative Banking Association from September 2025, more than 33% plan to adopt it soon.
Atruvia developed meinKrypto together with the DZ Bank. Meanwhile, crypto custody operations are handled by Stuttgart Stock Exchange Digital. In addition, EUWAX AG is involved in executing the trade. This structure separates custody and execution for improved operational clarity and regulatory alignment.
MiCAR, formally known as Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, is basically the creation of a unified European legal framework. As a result, financial institutions need specific authorizations for crypto services. The framework’s goal is to safeguard investors, promote innovation and enhance the stability of markets in Europe.
MiCAR Approval Signals Broader Shift in German Banking Strategy
The approval granted in December 2025 is a regulatory milestone for DZ Bank. Therefore, cooperative banks get access to compliant crypto infrastructure. This lowers operational risk at the same time as diversifying digital investment options. Moreover, it shows growing regulatory clarity in the European crypto market.
MeinKrypto’s rollout is based on the notification of individual banks. Once approved, the customers gain access to crypto trading and custody services. Importantly, all services are fully regulated by MiCAR rules. This structure assures retail participants looking for compliant exposure.
There are about 700 cooperative banks in Germany as a whole. Each institution decides whether or not to enable meinKrypto. Consequently, adoption might differ regionally. However, it is possible to quickly deploy the standardized platform once regulatory clearance is received from BaFin.
DZ Bank emphasised that meinKrypto supports cooperative competitiveness. Traditional banks started to feel a lot of competition from fintech platforms. Therefore, regulated crypto access helps to retain the digitally focused customers. It also brings cooperative banks in line with the changing preferences for investment.
The wider German banking industry is looking at digital assets cautiously. With the regulatory certainty provided by MiCAR compliance, ambiguity is reduced. As a result, crypto services are seen by more institutions as viable extensions.
From an investor’s point of view, meinKrypto is an easy way to access. Users do not use outside wallets or unregulated platforms. Instead, assets are kept in familiar banking environments. This may result in more participation from conservative retail investors.
Overall, the approval of DZ Bank for MiCAR is a major step for Germany’s banking sector. The platform has the balance of innovation and compliance. Therefore, it creates a safe pathway for the retail adoption of cryptocurrencies. Institutional momentum in Europe’s regulated financial system is steadily building.