Banks Have Captured 23% of EU Crypto Registry
Traditional institutions are leveraging existing banking licenses to fast-track their entry into crypto-asset services.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Financial Services
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Banks now comprise 23% of crypto-asset service providers on the European Union MiCA register as traditional firms rapidly expand their footprint in digital finance. The number of registered banks on the ledger has climbed to nearly 80.
Why it matters
Banks are utilizing Article 60 notification routes to bypass the more rigorous licensing procedures required for standalone crypto-native firms. This regulatory advantage allows established players to accelerate their entry into digital asset markets.
Registered banks on the EU ledger reached nearly 80 by mid-September 2026, compared to 40 previously, while non-bank entities now represent 77% of the 349 total registered service providers.
The players
Deutsche Bank
A global multinational investment bank and financial services company currently seeking regulatory clearance for digital asset custody.
European Securities and Markets Authority
The EU financial regulatory agency responsible for maintaining the ledger of registered crypto-asset service providers.
The details
Institutional banks are increasingly utilizing existing regulatory standing to offer crypto-asset services, specifically through the Article 60 notification pathway. This mechanism allows them to integrate digital asset custody and trading services into their existing infrastructure without undergoing the full, prolonged licensing process mandated for new, standalone crypto firms. Germany has emerged as a primary driver for this activity among traditional European financial institutions.
Timeline
In late June 2026, the registry held 243 crypto-asset service providers.
By mid-September 2026, the total count of registered providers rose to 349.
Deutsche Bank targets October 2026 for its MiCA regulatory approval.
Market Landscape
The expansion of banks within the MiCA register marks a significant consolidation of digital asset oversight under traditional financial authorities. This follows the broader industry trend of establishing standardized regulatory frameworks to legitimize crypto services for institutional participants.
Operators in the digital asset space should expect increased competition from established banks as these firms use their existing licenses to enter the market quickly. Firms should monitor whether this shift influences future fee structures or compliance requirements for non-bank providers.
The takeaway
Traditional banks are successfully leveraging their regulatory status to bypass the barriers facing smaller crypto-native firms. Independent operators should evaluate their service offerings against those of larger, newly registered bank entrants as the market matures.
What happens next
Deutsche Bank is scheduled to seek MiCA regulatory approval in October 2026.
Further reading
For more on how regulatory shifts influence market entry, see the latest coverage in Financial Services.
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Does the entry of traditional banks into the crypto market make you trust digital assets more?
