Deutsche Börse’s subsidiary, Clearstream, is gearing up to launch a new service that will grant institutional investors access to crypto assets starting from April 2025. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Crypto Finance, a fellow entity under the Deutsche Börse Group umbrella, aims to offer settlement and custody solutions tailored specifically for crypto assets.

The decision to expand Clearstream’s custody services to encompass crypto assets comes on the heels of Crypto Finance obtaining its MiCAR license earlier this year, enabling the company to extend its services to clients throughout Europe. By leveraging Crypto Finance’s expertise as a sub-custodian, Clearstream is poised to deliver a seamless experience for institutional investors seeking to engage with crypto assets securely and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Jens Hachmeister, the head of issuer services and new digital markets at Clearstream, emphasized the strategic significance of this move, stating that integrating crypto custody services into Clearstream’s offerings represents a pivotal stride in the organization’s broader mission to digitize financial markets. He underscored that the new solution will provide clients with a robust, regulatory-compliant framework that facilitates swift access to emerging asset classes while leveraging Clearstream’s established post-trading infrastructure.

Under this new service, clients utilizing Clearstream’s International Central Securities Depository (ICSD) can seamlessly utilize their existing accounts within Clearstream Banking to access crypto currency custody and settlement services without necessitating additional direct engagements with crypto service providers. Initially, the service will support popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, with provisions to consider adding more digital assets based on client demand in the future.

Stijn Vander Straeten, the CEO of Crypto Finance Group, highlighted the convenience of the offering, noting that it not only encompasses direct interfaces for native services but also taps into traditional financial market rails that are widely adopted by industry participants. This approach aims to provide a user-friendly on-ramp for financial institutions seeking to venture into the crypto space, aligning with the evolving needs of the market and the growing demand for diversified investment options.

In conclusion, Deutsche Börse’s Clearstream is poised to make significant inroads in the institutional crypto asset space with its upcoming service launch, setting the stage for a more inclusive and streamlined approach to integrating digital assets into traditional financial ecosystems.