DZ Bank Secures MiCAR Approval to Launch meinKrypto Crypto Trading Across German Cooperative Banks

• DZ Bank secured MiCAR approval, allowing cooperative banks to offer regulated crypto trading through one shared platform.
• meinKrypto enables retail customers to trade major cryptocurrencies directly inside existing cooperative banking apps.
• The approval lets regional banks enter crypto markets while relying on DZ Bank compliance and infrastructure.

Germany’s second-largest cooperative banking group DZ Bank has secured regulatory approval to operate its cryptocurrency trading platform, meinKrypto, under the European Union’s MiCAR framework. The approval allows the group to extend digital asset trading services across its cooperative banking network.

Regulators granted the authorization in late December, marking a clear operational shift rather than a pilot phase. As a result, cooperative banks can now prepare market entry under a shared regulatory structure. This development places regulated crypto trading directly inside Germany’s retail banking system. Moreover, it signals growing regulatory confidence in bank-led digital asset services.

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority, BaFin, issued the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation approval to DZ Bank at the end of December. The license enables the group to provide crypto asset services compliant with EU-wide rules. However, each Volksbank and Raiffeisenbank must submit its own MiCAR notification before offering the service.

This step preserves institutional independence within the cooperative structure. At the same time, it ensures regulatory oversight remains consistent. Consequently, the rollout depends on individual bank readiness rather than a centralized mandate.

The platform reflects a joint effort between DZ Bank and Atruvia, the group’s IT service provider. This collaboration reduces development burdens for smaller banks. In addition, it shortens deployment timelines across regions. Custody services will be handled by Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody. Meanwhile, EUWAX will manage trade execution. This structure keeps custody, execution, and interface functions clearly separated.

Each cooperative bank retains full discretion over whether to offer meinKrypto. This voluntary approach reflects the group’s decentralized model. According to a Genoverband study from September 2025, more than one-third of cooperative banks plan implementation soon. Others are assessing customer demand and operational readiness. As a result, adoption will vary by region. Still, the shared infrastructure lowers entry barriers for interested institutions.

This model allows banks to test crypto services without committing extensive internal resources. Moreover, it reduces regulatory complexity at the local level. DZ Bank provides the compliance framework. In turn, member banks maintain direct customer relationships. This balance supports cautious expansion while preserving trust. Hence, crypto access grows through familiar banking channels rather than external platforms.

The meinKrypto wallet integrates directly into the VR Banking app. Customers can access crypto trading within their existing digital banking environment. The platform focuses on self-directed retail investors. It does not form part of traditional advisory services. Therefore, banks avoid suitability obligations linked to investment advice. Instead, customers manage trades independently.

At launch, the platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Cardano. These assets represent established networks with broad market recognition. The limited selection reflects a risk-controlled approach. Furthermore, customers can complete the entire investment process digitally. This includes onboarding, trading, and custody. Once banks activate the service, customers can access crypto without leaving their banking app.