German banking group Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe reportedly intends to launch crypto trading services, providing its more than 50 million customers with access to crypto trading by the summer of 2026. Dekabank, which is owned by Sparkassen, has been chosen to manage this new crypto service through the Sparkasse app, according to a Bloomberg report. The German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) stated that the Savings Banks Finance Group will offer “reliable access to a regulated crypto offering.” The DSGV also noted that the crypto service addresses existing demand and is covered under the European Union’s MiCA regulatory framework for crypto, which became effective in December. As more financial firms embrace crypto, early-stage projects such as Bitcoin Pepe are expected to benefit. The project is continuing strength in its presale. Shifting stance on Crypto in German banking Previously, Sparkassen executives had dismissed crypto-related services due to concerns about volatility and risk. The banking group also restricted crypto purchases for all customers in 2015. Despite this shift in direction, the DSGV reportedly emphasized that its “position remains clear, cryptocurrencies are highly speculative investments.” It was also stated that there would be no advertising for the new service, and customers would be informed about potential risks, including “potential for total loss.” Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe encompasses over 50 million customers and 500 companies, including more than 370 savings banks, with total aggregated assets under management exceeding 2.5 trillion euros ($2.9 trillion). Filipp Bolotov, founder and CEO of ERA Labs, commented on Sparkassen’s move into crypto, calling it a “big move for mainstream adoption.” Similarly, Kyle Chasse, a crypto venture capitalist and founder of Master Ventures, remarked that “banks are catching up.” Other German banks have also begun integrating crypto services. In September 2024, Germany’s second-largest financial institution, DZ Bank, partnered with Boerse Stuttgart Digital for a crypto service pilot. It planned to introduce trading and custody services to its network of 700 cooperative banks following an initial testing phase. Additionally, Germany’s largest federal bank, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, announced in April of the previous year that it would offer crypto custody solutions to institutional clients in collaboration with Bitpanda, an Austria-based crypto exchange. Bitcoin Pepe makes new waves in crypto Bitcoin Pepe is establishing a unique position within the cryptocurrency market by integrating viral appeal with infrastructure development. This project operates as a Layer 2 solution, leveraging Bitcoin’s underlying security while aiming for scalability comparable to networks like Solana. This strategy differentiates it from many meme-centric cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin Pepe, noted as the first meme-focused Layer 2 solution built on Bitcoin, is also expanding its reach through strategic partnerships. These collaborations span various sectors, including gaming, content creation, decentralized finance (DeFi), and fair launch infrastructure. The objective of these partnerships is to cultivate an ecosystem where the BPEP token offers cross-chain utility and cultural relevance. Such alliances are intended to boost visibility and adoption, reflecting growing support for the PEP-20 token standard from both institutional entities and the wider community. The project’s infrastructure-focused approach appears to be attracting investor interest, with its ongoing presale having already secured over $16.2 million. Further contributing to its momentum are confirmed listings on the MEXC and BitMart exchanges. The project team is scheduled to make the final listing announcement on July 31st. The post Bitcoin Pepe price outlook as major German bank plans to provide crypto trading appeared first on Invezz
