DZ Bank Secures MiCAR License to Launch Crypto Trading Platform for German Cooperative Banks

TLDR:

• DZ Bank secured MiCAR authorization from BaFin in December to operate its meinKrypto cryptocurrency platform.
• Over one-third of cooperative banks plan to adopt the crypto solution within the coming months, per Genoverband study.
• The platform will support Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano through integrated VR Banking app access.
• Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody handles asset storage while EUWAX manages trade execution for the platform.

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Germany’s second-largest banking group DZ Bank has obtained regulatory approval from BaFin to operate its cryptocurrency platform “meinKrypto.” 

The authorization, granted in late December under the EU’s MiCAR framework, enables member institutions within the cooperative banking network to offer digital asset trading services. 

The platform will initially support Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano for retail customers.

MiCAR Authorization Enables Cooperative Banking Network Entry

DZ Bank received its Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation license from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority at the end of December 2025. 

The approval marks a significant development for the cooperative financial group’s digital asset strategy. Individual Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken must now submit their own MiCAR notifications to BaFin before offering services to customers.

The platform represents a collaborative effort between DZ Bank and Atruvia, the IT service provider for the cooperative financial group. 

Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody will handle the safekeeping of crypto assets. Trade execution will occur through EUWAX, ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the service chain.

Each cooperative bank retains independent decision-making authority regarding platform adoption. 

According to a study by Genoverband from September 2025, more than one-third of banks plan implementation in the coming months. This voluntary approach allows institutions to evaluate customer demand within their respective markets.

Platform Integration Targets Self-Directed Retail Investors

The “meinKrypto” wallet will integrate directly into the VR Banking app used by cooperative bank customers. 

The solution specifically targets self-directed investors rather than traditional advisory channels. The offering is aimed at self-directed investors and is not part of retail customer advisory services, according to the announcement.

Four cryptocurrencies will be available at launch: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano. The selection provides exposure to established digital assets with different technical characteristics. 

Once approval is granted and the solution has been implemented, customers will be able to invest in crypto assets fully digitally.

The MiCAR regulation establishes uniform legal standards for crypto asset services across the European Union. 

Financial institutions must obtain specific authorizations based on their business activities. The framework aims to provide legal clarity while maintaining consumer protection standards across member states.

DZ Bank’s authorization demonstrates growing institutional adoption of cryptocurrency services within traditional European banking. 

The cooperative structure allows smaller regional banks to access crypto trading infrastructure without individual development costs. 

Member institutions can leverage DZ Bank’s regulatory compliance and technical infrastructure while maintaining customer relationships.

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