Deutsche Boerse’s Clearstream for ClearStream BTC and ETH CUSTODY custody begins: Report

Clearstream, a post-trade force in Deutsche Boerse, announced that it will introduce crypto custody and payment services to its institutional clients later this year.

The service is provided through Crypto Finance, a majority-owned subsidiary, and serves as a subcustodian.

Provided by ClearStream

According to a Bloomberg report, ClearStream will provide Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) custody services to 2,500 clients starting next month. The company has also introduced support for other cryptocurrencies and expanded its offering to include staking, lending and brokerage features.

“With this provision, we are creating a one-stop shop for custody, intermediary and settlement,” said Jens Hachmeister, head of the company’s publisher services. He also said the move would allow for future assets such as Stablecoins and tokenized securities to be served.

According to Crypto Finance CEO Stijn Vander Straeten, the organization began planning for the service about a year ago. The executive added that the strategy will enable banks and large institutions to adopt digital assets more quickly by using familiar technologies and compliance tools.

ClearStream is one of Europe’s largest clearing facilities, and as of January this year, it has approximately $21.7 billion in assets under management (AUM). Clients at the company’s central securities depository can use their existing accounts to access cryptographic storing and payment services using ClearStream Banking SA.

Increased demand under MICA

Traditional financial institutions have increased their presence in digital assets in response to the clarity of regulations in regions such as the European Union (EU), Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Vander Straeten said that demand from international bank clients has been “very high” since the Crypto-Assets Regulation (MICA) market came into effect on December 30, 2024. “There’s a chance to zero additional costs,” he said.

The latest product follows Germany’s recent milestone, with Bose Stuttgart’s digital custody becoming the country’s first crypto asset service provider to obtain full MICA permits. Under European-wide licence, the organization is now a regulated infrastructure provider for banks, brokers and asset managers.

Meanwhile, Spanish bank BBVA SA received regulatory approval on Monday to launch crypto trading services for retail clients. Financial institutions will first offer trading services to BTC and ETH through mobile banking apps, with a gradual deployment starting with selected customer groups before expanding nationwide.