Deutsche Bank joins hands with Swiss firm Taurus to offer custody services for institutional client cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets. Though crypto trading isn't their current focus, the bank intends to explore its avenues. Amidst crypto market turmoil and regulatory concerns, Deutsche Bank's venture signals trust in the future of blockchain and digital assets.
While the bank's spokesperson clarified that crypto trading is not an immediate priority, Deutsche Bank intends to explore crypto trading possibilities in a World Economic Forum paperback in 2020. This suggests the bank's forward-thinking approach towards staying at the forefront of emerging technologies.
The crypto market faced challenges following collapses in top crypto firms last year, causing widespread losses and prompting calls for stricter regulations. However, notable financial institutions are increasingly intrigued by blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize the trading and settlement of traditional financial assets.
Joining the ranks of Standard Chartered, BNY Mellon, and Societe Generale, Deutsche Bank's entrance into the crypto custody services demonstrates its commitment to supporting the ever-expanding digital assets ecosystem. Paul Maley, Deutsche Bank's Global Head of Securities Services, emphasized the significance of this move, highlighting that the digital asset space is predicted to encompass trillions of dollars of assets.
Currently, the crypto market's total value stands at approximately $1.1 trillion, having experienced a decline from its peak of just over $3 trillion in November 2021, as reported by CoinGecko. Maley added that the bank's focus extends beyond cryptocurrencies, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions for clients within the digital assets realm.
With U.S. regulators cautioning banks against liquidity risks associated with crypto-related clients, Deutsche Bank is proceeding cautiously, ensuring strict compliance with regulations governing this asset class. Maley reassured that the bank's robust product design and secure custody services would mitigate the risk of any adverse impact on the bank's other activities.
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