Deutsche Bank plans to introduce institutional cryptocurrency custody services in Germany within weeks, working with Swiss digital asset technology firm Taurus, according to Reuters. The initial offering will allow the bank's institutional clients to hold major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ether.

The German lender also aims to add stablecoin conversions, tokenized deposits, and blockchain-based securities, including digital bonds, to its corporate banking services. The multi-stage plan pairs the near-term custody launch with a set of stablecoin and tokenization services aimed at corporate clients, and it includes an expansion into Asian financial centers planned for 2027. That rollout underpins the bank's stated goal of 8% compound annual growth in corporate banking by 2028.

Custody Built With Swiss Partner Taurus

Gerald Podobnik, co-head of Deutsche Bank's corporate bank, discussed the rollout during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, according to Reuters.

Custody — the safeguarding of crypto assets on a client's behalf — mirrors the holding role banks have long performed for traditional securities. Germany has had a dedicated licensing regime for crypto custody under federal regulator BaFin since 2020, giving banks a domestic framework for offering such services, and BNY Mellon and Standard Chartered are among the global banks that have built digital asset custody offerings in recent years.

The bank is developing its custody capabilities with Taurus, a Swiss digital asset technology firm that it first partnered with in September 2023 to support its broader digital asset plans. The partnership underpins the custody infrastructure now nearing launch.

Stablecoin Conversions, Tokenized Deposits, and Digital Bonds

Beyond custody, the bank intends to help clients move between traditional currencies and stablecoins — blockchain tokens typically pegged to fiat currencies such as the US dollar. The planned services include fiat-to-stablecoin conversions, allowing customers to exchange conventional money for digital tokens.

Deutsche Bank also plans to offer tokenized deposits and to help corporate clients issue blockchain-based securities, including digital bonds. These services would extend the bank's existing banking operations with blockchain-based options.

Podobnik said financial institutions need to offer tokenized and blockchain solutions alongside traditional services, rather than replace existing systems. He also pointed to the growth of the digital economy and to the hundreds of billions of dollars currently held in stablecoins.

The expansion forms part of Deutsche Bank's target of achieving 8% compound annual growth in corporate banking by 2028. However, the bank has not provided a specific launch date for each of the planned services.

Asian Financial Centers Targeted for 2027

After introducing custody services in Germany, Deutsche Bank plans to expand the offering into Asian financial centers in 2027, making the region the second phase of the rollout. The available reports do not confirm which markets will receive the service first.

According to Reuters, the rollout reflects the bank's broader strategy to provide blockchain-based services alongside its traditional banking products.

Deutsche Bank's custody launch is expected within weeks, while its Asian remains planned for 2027.