In less than three months leading up to September 16, 2026, the number of banks registered under the MiCA regulatory framework surged from around 40 to 80 financial institutions across the European Union. These registration figures show that the influx of traditional banking is officially outpacing pure-play crypto firms.
Not Just for Tier-1 Institutions
Although crypto exchanges and non-bank crypto providers also recorded 44% growth to 269 entities on the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) register, the pace of bank registrations has been far more aggressive. The share of banks among total Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) rose from around 16% in June to 23% in September. This ratio means that up from just one in six previously, nearly one in four licensed crypto service providers in the region is now a bank.
Germany emerged as the largest contributor to the influx of new banking entities. The country’s registration track record also dispels the notion that digital asset services are exclusively handled by global tier-1 institutions. The wave of new names on the MiCA register extends beyond nationwide commercial banks down to regional cooperative banks. Local networks like Volksbank, Raiffeisenbank, and VR Bank have registered to serve digital asset demand directly from customers in their operating areas.
Pursuing October Custody License
At the global banking level, the services being offered are taking specific forms. Deutsche Bank announced plans to offer specialized crypto custody services for institutional and corporate clients in Europe. The bank is targeting MiCA approval for its custody product in October 2026.
The figure of 80 banks could be even higher than currently recorded. ESMA publishes registry updates only once a week, meaning service providers recently approved by local authorities may not immediately appear on the public list.
For European residents, this surge in bank registrations directly impacts the availability of asset custody options. Everyday savers can now store their crypto through local cooperative banks, while large corporations secure their portfolios through custodian institutions like Deutsche Bank. Reported via crypto.news.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
