Custody Banks Expand Digital Asset Services to Europe
Two global custodians have extended token safekeeping to European clients, citing licensing clarity under the bloc's harmonised regime.
Two of the largest global custody banks have begun offering digital asset safekeeping to European institutional clients, extending services previously limited to selected North American and Asian jurisdictions.
Both cite the harmonised European licensing regime as the deciding factor, since a single authorisation now passports across member states rather than requiring country-by-country approvals.
Clients are predominantly asset managers running regulated fund structures with token exposure, along with a smaller group of corporate treasuries.
Fee levels remain above those charged for traditional securities custody, reflecting key management costs and insurance.
A third custodian said it is completing an internal review and expects to make a decision within two quarters.
About the author
Institutional Finance Correspondent
Nadia Alvarez covers allocators, custody banks and the plumbing that connects traditional balance sheets to digital assets. She previously reported on private markets and holds an MBA from IESE Business School.
D2CA.org reports on digital asset markets. This article is journalism, not investment advice. Corrections and clarifications: see our corrections policy.