Germany’s traditional banking sector is moving further into crypto trading, with cooperative banks and savings banks introducing services that will allow millions of retail customers to buy and sell digital assets directly through their primary banking relationships.

The expansion is expected to make crypto investing more accessible by eliminating the need for many customers to use dedicated crypto platforms.

The rollout follows a huge change in approach by German lenders, which previously resisted offering retail crypto services because of concerns about volatility and investment risk.

Cooperative banks have already started providing access to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Cardano through infrastructure developed by DZ Bank, while DekaBank plans to launch a similar solution for savings banks later this year.

Banking executives say offering crypto trading is becoming increasingly important to remain competitive and meet growing customer demand, particularly among younger investors. Nevertheless, consumer advocates and industry experts continue to warn that crypto assets remain speculative assets and that investors should understand the potential for substantial losses before trading.