Santander has expanded its digital banking services with the launch of crypto trading in Germany through its fully digital subsidiary Openbank. This move comes in response to growing demand for crypto assets and is set to enhance the bank’s position in Europe as it accelerates its cryptocurrency offerings.
Crypto trading integration in Germany and Spain
Openbank’s new service allows German clients to buy, sell, and hold major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (POL), and Cardano (ADA) directly on the platform. This service eliminates the need for third-party platforms and operates within the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework.
The integration will expand to Spain in the coming weeks, with additional features such as crypto-to-crypto conversions and more token offerings planned for launch. The move is driven by customer demand, reflecting the growing popularity of crypto assets in Europe.
Santander’s ongoing crypto efforts and industry trends
Santander, with over 175 million customers across more than 40 countries, is a prominent player in Europe’s financial industry. Openbank currently serves more than 2 million clients across Spain, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, the US, and Mexico.
This launch builds on Santander’s previous initiatives in the crypto space, including One Pay FX, a Ripple-powered payments app introduced in 2018, which enabled same-day international transfers. More recently, the bank has been exploring stablecoins and considering the issuance of dollar- and euro-pegged tokens.
Broader crypto adoption in Germany’s banking sector
Santander’s move is part of a broader trend in Germany, where the largest banks are preparing to integrate crypto services under the MiCA framework.
- DZ Bank, Germany’s second-largest lender, launched a crypto pilot in September 2024.
- Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest lender, plans to offer a digital asset custody service in 2026 and has considered entering the stablecoin market.
- Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe plans to launch retail crypto trading by mid-2026, powered by DekaBank and Börse Stuttgart Digital.
In the US, JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Bank of America are also exploring stablecoin issuance and retail-facing crypto services following the passage of the GENIUS Act in July 2025.
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