Openbank Launches Regulated Cryptocurrency Trading Service in Germany, Expansion to Spain Imminent
September 16, 2025 – Openbank, the fully digital banking subsidiary of Grupo Santander, has officially launched a new cryptocurrency trading service for its customers in Germany, allowing them to buy, sell, and hold major digital assets directly through their existing investment accounts. The service is set to expand to Spain in the coming weeks, further integrating crypto assets into the traditional banking environment.
With this launch, Openbank customers in Germany now have seamless access to trade five prominent cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Polygon (MATIC), and Cardano (ADA). This offering provides a fully regulated and secure environment, backed by Santander’s strong financial reputation and compliant with the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which offers investor protection and ensures market transparency.
Integration Within Existing Investment Platform
One of the key features of the new service is that customers can manage these cryptocurrencies alongside traditional investment products such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds without the need to transfer funds to external platforms or wallets. This integration simplifies portfolio management by providing a unified platform where users can hold diverse asset classes under one account.
Openbank currently offers a comprehensive investment ecosystem including an automated Robo Advisor service, a portfolio of over 3,000 stocks, 3,000 investment funds from more than 123 asset managers, and over 2,000 ETFs. Recent innovations also include a broker platform augmented with AI-based tools that provide target prices for over 1,000 European and U.S. equities. Adding cryptocurrencies marks a significant step in broadening its product offerings geared to meet the evolving needs of digital-era investors.
Competitive Fees and Plans for Expansion
The cryptocurrency trading service charges a competitive fee of 1.49% on purchases and sales, with a minimum fee of €1 per transaction. Notably, there are no custody fees, making it an attractive choice for retail investors seeking cost-effective crypto trading solutions.
Following the launch in Germany, Openbank plans to extend this service to Spain shortly, aligning with its broader strategy to integrate cryptocurrency offerings into multiple European markets. Over the coming months, the bank intends to increase the range of supported cryptocurrencies and introduce new functionalities such as the ability to convert between different cryptocurrencies directly within the platform.
Industry Context and Strategic Implications
Openbank’s move reflects a growing trend among traditional financial institutions embracing digital assets by embedding cryptocurrency trading into regulated banking services. By operating under MiCA, Openbank’s crypto service stands out for maintaining strict regulatory compliance, appealing to cautious investors wary of unregulated exchanges.
Grupo Santander, one of Europe’s leading banking groups, leverages Openbank as its digital-first strategy to capture retail investors interested in both conventional and emerging asset classes. This initiative positions Openbank prominently in the competitive landscape of European digital banks innovating at the intersection of finance and technology.
Conclusion
The introduction of cryptocurrency trading within Openbank marks an important evolution in how retail investors can access digital assets as part of a diversified portfolio managed through a single, secure platform. With competitive pricing, regulated operations, and plans for geographic and product expansion, Openbank is primed to be a significant player in the crypto banking space across Europe.