Openbank, the digital banking subsidiary of Spain’s Santander Group, has introduced cryptocurrency trading for customers in Germany.
The move marks an important step for the bank as it seeks to integrate digital assets into mainstream investment platforms.
According to Santander, the service will be extended to its home market, Spain, in the coming weeks.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Investments
Openbank customers in Germany can now buy, sell, and hold five of the most widely traded cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), and Cardano (ADA). These digital assets are listed alongside existing investment options such as stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds.
By combining traditional and digital assets under one platform, the bank aims to simplify portfolio management for retail investors.
Unified Investment Experience
A key feature of the new service is its integration within Santander’s own ecosystem. Unlike external crypto exchanges, Openbank clients do not need to transfer money to a third-party platform. This means that customers can keep all their financial products, including stocks, funds, and cryptocurrencies, within a single account.
Santander states that this design will enhance the trading experience and mitigate potential security concerns.
Fee Structure
To strengthen its appeal, Openbank has adopted a transparent fee structure. The platform charges 1.49 percent per transaction, with a minimum of one euro, but does not impose custody fees. This makes the offering competitive against major crypto exchanges while benefiting from the added trust of a regulated bank.
By lowering barriers to entry, Santander aims to capture retail clients who may be curious about crypto but cautious about costs and risks.
Plans for Growth and Innovation
The launch in Germany is only the foundation of a longer-term strategy. Openbank confirmed that it plans to list additional cryptocurrencies and introduce features such as crypto-to-crypto conversions in the coming months.
These upcoming tools will allow investors to manage digital assets with greater flexibility.
Responding to Customer Demand
Coty de Monteverde, head of crypto at Grupo Santander, noted that the decision to add cryptocurrencies was a direct response to customer requests.
“We are expanding our platform to include the main cryptocurrencies because our clients asked for it,” she noted. According to her, the bank’s broader vision is to evolve in line with its customers’ financial preferences while maintaining the security and reliability of a regulated institution.
Building on Previous Initiatives
Notably, this is not Santander’s first step into the cryptocurrency sector. In 2023, its private banking arm in Switzerland began allowing clients to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum.
At that time, Santander partnered with Swiss fintech firm Taurus to provide custody technology, ensuring secure storage of client assets. The new service in Germany builds on that experience, while bringing crypto access to a wider base of retail clients.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
