Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, Germany’s largest banking group, plans to offer crypto trading services to its retail customers by summer 2026, reversing its earlier cautious stance. The decision follows the EU’s MiCA regulation, which provides a unified legal framework for crypto across member states. Sparkassen’s subsidiary, Dekabank, secured a crypto custody license from BaFin and will manage the platform, enabling trades in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The move aligns with a broader trend among European banks, as demand for regulated crypto products grows. However, German regulators remain vigilant, citing increased crypto-related suspicious activity reports. Sparkassen’s entry could significantly boost crypto adoption among its 50 million customers.
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UK FCA Proposes Retail Access to Crypto ETNs
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a proposal to allow retail investors to access crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs), reversing a 2021 ban. These ETNs, which track digital asset prices but do not hold the underlying assets, must be listed on recognized exchanges like the London Stock Exchange and comply with financial promotion rules. The FCA emphasized that safeguards, including risk disclosures, will remain in place. Unlike the EU and US, the UK is not yet permitting spot crypto ETFs, which require direct asset custody. The proposal aligns with the UK Treasury’s goal to become a digital asset hub and reflects a phased regulatory approach covering stablecoins and market oversight. The consultation is open until July 31, with potential approval expected to reshape retail crypto investment channels.
read moreSwiss Crypto Conference Tackles Regulation and Industry Insights
The “Finance 2.0 – Crypto Assets Conference” in Zurich will address the impending European crypto regulation and its impact on the industry, featuring insights from over 20 experts. Key topics include the global financial landscape, the Swiss success story in the crypto industry, and the recognition of outstanding industry players through the “Swiss Crypto Awards.” Leading figures from prominent companies will share their experiences and future visions at the event.
read moreEthereum’s ETF Decision and Restaking Risks: Market Update and Analysis
Ethereum’s price consolidates after recent losses, with cautious traders eyeing potential rally amid news of DWS Group launching Ethereum ETCs and positive updates on its security status from JP Morgan analysts. Questions arise over Ethereum’s “commodity” status in the US, as SEC scrutiny intensifies, while concerns grow over the risks associated with Ethereum restaking. Bitcoin’s upcoming halving event could potentially trigger an Ethereum rally, given their historically correlated price movements.
read moreCryptocurrency Market Update: Ethereum and Ripple Prices Stagnate, Bitcoin Faces Uncertainty
Ethereum and XRP prices remain stagnant despite positive developments, while Bitcoin faces uncertainty with conflicting investor behavior and a sell signal on the weekly timeframe. The launch of an Ethereum exchange-traded commodity and a Ripple stablecoin failed to boost their respective prices, highlighting the cautious market sentiment.
read moreDWS and Galaxy Digital Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum ETCs for Investors
DWS and Galaxy Digital have launched two new Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) providing investors with accessible avenues to engage with the performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum. The ETCs are backed by robust infrastructure and custodial solutions, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and the digital asset ecosystem. This strategic partnership reflects DWS’s commitment to driving the adoption of digital assets in Europe and empowering investors with enhanced opportunities to participate in the digital asset market.
read moreGlobal Crypto News Roundup: Regulations, Laws, and Industry Developments
Hong Kong SFC flags fake crypto exchange websites, UK authorities empowered to confiscate crypto assets, Arizona Senate considers Bitcoin ETFs for state retirement systems, and more global crypto news. Binance CEO summoned by Nigerian committee, Fantom gets default judgment against Multichain, and Deutsche Börse unveils spot cryptocurrency trading platform. US appeals Do Kwon’s extradition to South Korea, and crypto investment fraud hits $3.94 billion in 2023 according to FBI report.
read moreEurope’s Complex Crypto Investment Landscape: ETFs, ETNs, and Regulatory Challenges
The US SEC approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, allowing investors to track the cryptocurrency’s price directly. In Europe, due to UCITS regulation, ETFs exclusively investing in Bitcoin are not approved, leading to reliance on alternative products like ETNs. However, Europe offers a variety of regulated investment options for both retail and institutional investors, with potential for diversified crypto ETFs in the future.
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