• Openbank allows crypto trading in Germany with plans to launch the same service soon in Spain.
• Users can buy and sell 5 major tokens directly on Openbank without using any third-party platform.
• European banks are increasing crypto services as new rules make it easier to offer digital assets to customers.

Openbank, the digital arm of Spain’s Grupo Santander, has introduced crypto trading services in Germany. Customers can buy, sell, and hold five digital assets directly on the bank’s platform. These include Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Polygon, and Cardano. The integration removes the need for third-party apps. All trading activity runs within the European MiCA regulatory framework.

The platform is designed to streamline investments. Clients can manage traditional and digital assets in one place. Openbank has set a trading fee of 1.49%, with a minimum trade of €1. The bank confirmed that it will not charge custody fees.

Crypto Services Set to Launch in Spain

Openbank will extend crypto services to Spanish customers in the coming weeks. This marks the next phase of the platform’s European rollout. Additional tokens and features, including crypto-to-crypto conversions, are planned. Expansion to other countries where Openbank operates may follow, pending regulatory approvals.

Spain’s inclusion aligns with the full implementation of the EU’s MiCA regulation. This regulation offers a unified framework for crypto activity across the region. Openbank already serves over two million clients across Europe, including Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. In May, Santander announced plans to launch stablecoins and retail crypto services as EU rules take effect, joining growing European bank interest in digital assets.

European Banks Increase Crypto Focus

Santander joins a growing number of European banks entering the crypto space. Deutsche Bank plans to offer digital asset custody by 2026. It is working with Bitpanda and Taurus to build the service. DZ Bank launched a crypto pilot last year for 700 German cooperative banks.

Meanwhile, Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe will offer crypto trading to 50 million customers by mid-2026. That initiative will use DekaBank and Börse Stuttgart Digital for infrastructure. Earlier this year, DekaBank launched crypto trading and custody for institutional clients with BaFin approval, ensuring secure and regulated access. Another Spanish bank, BBVA, has also indicated its plans to introduce retail crypto services in Spain as soon as it is authorized.

European banks are adjusting to the new customer requirements and emerging regulations. Many are adding blockchain-based services to remain competitive.

Stablecoin Projects Gain Momentum

Santander is also exploring stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies. A potential launch is still in early stages. Other banks are making similar moves. In France, Société Générale has already issued a euro-backed stablecoin. Deutsche Bank’s DWS Group is building another with Galaxy Digital and Flow Traders.

In the United States, the GENIUS Act has pushed banks to explore stablecoins. Major institutions, such as JPMorgan and Bank of America, are evaluating new cryptocurrency initiatives. Market analysts anticipate that the stablecoin sector will experience rapid growth in the coming years.