EU Banks Lag in Crypto Adoption Despite Demand

EU Banks Lag in Crypto Adoption Despite Demand

In Summary

  • EU banks lag behind investor demand for crypto services
  • Only 63 European banks currently offer digital asset trading or custody
  • Regulatory uncertainty and risk aversion hinder widespread adoption
  • Early movers like BBVA and Clearstream may gain an edge under MiCA


Catenaa, Monday, March 31, 2025-A new survey highlights a growing gap between European banks and crypto investors, as most financial institutions hesitate to adopt digital asset services. 

The Bitpanda report shows that while crypto demand surges, only a fraction of EU banks offer trading or custody services. Regulatory uncertainty and risk aversion are key barriers. Europe leads globally with 63 banks providing crypto services, but this remains a small portion of the sector. 

Some institutions, like Deutsche Boerse’s Clearstream and Spain’s BBVA, are integrating crypto, while Germany’s DekaBank and Zuger Kantonalbank expand offerings. However, widespread adoption remains slow. 

With EU regulations like the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) offering more clarity, banks that act early may gain a competitive edge. Experts suggest those slow to adapt risk losing investors to more crypto-friendly alternatives. 

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