Wondering how traditional banks can start offering crypto services without becoming a typical crypto‑exchange? This article explains the EU’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework, the difference between the standard authorization route and the special notification path for banks, and what the growing bank presence means for anyone looking to earn or store digital assets.
What MiCA Is and How It Regulates Crypto Services
MiCA is the European Union’s first comprehensive set of rules for crypto‑assets. It creates a single market for digital assets across all EU member states, aiming to protect consumers, prevent money‑laundering, and give businesses clear regulatory certainty. Under MiCA, any firm that offers crypto‑related services—such as custody, exchange, or advisory—must become a crypto‑asset service provider (CASP). A CASP is a legal entity that has either been authorized by the national regulator or has complied with the MiCA requirements for its specific activity.
Authorization is a full licensing process. The firm must submit a detailed application, undergo a thorough review of its governance, capital, risk controls, and ongoing supervision. This route is mandatory for most non‑bank crypto companies that want to operate across the EU.
Bank‑Specific Notification Procedure (Article 60)
MiCA recognises that banks already operate under stringent financial regulations. To avoid duplicating effort, Article 60 allows a credit institution—the legal term for a bank—to provide crypto‑asset services by simply notifying its home regulator. The bank must submit the required information at least 40 working days before it begins the service. The notification includes details such as the type of service, the assets involved, and the risk‑management measures in place.
This “notification route” is less burdensome than full authorization because the bank’s existing supervisory framework (e.g., Basel III capital rules, AML/CTF obligations) already satisfies many of MiCA’s requirements. The regulator’s role is mainly to ensure the bank’s crypto offering does not conflict with existing financial stability rules.
Real‑World Illustration: Bank Participation Growing Fast
Data from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) shows that between late June and mid‑September 2026, the number of banks listed on the MiCA register rose from roughly 40 to about 80. This doubled their share of the overall CASP register to nearly one in four providers, or 23 % of the total 349 listed entities. German banks led the expansion, with Deutsche Bank announcing plans in September 2026 to launch digital‑asset custody services for institutional clients, pending MiCA approval. Smaller cooperative banks such as Volksbank and Raiffeisenbank also entered the register, illustrating that the notification route is accessible to a wide range of banking institutions.
What This Means for You, the Crypto Earners
If you are looking for a place to store, stake, or earn passive income from crypto assets, a bank‑offered service can feel more familiar and potentially safer than a pure‑play crypto platform. Banks bring established compliance processes, insurance frameworks, and customer‑service standards that many crypto‑only firms lack. However, bank services may be limited to institutional or high‑net‑worth clients at first, and fees could be higher than on specialised exchanges.
For everyday users, the growing bank presence expands the choice set: you might find a traditional bank offering custodial wallets, staking pools, or even crypto‑linked loans. This diversification can help you spread risk across different providers, a core principle of prudent online earning.
How to Evaluate a Bank’s Crypto Offering
- Regulatory status: Verify that the bank is listed on the ESMA MiCA register and that it used the Article 60 notification route.
- Scope of services: Check whether the bank offers custody only, or also staking, lending, or trading. Each service carries its own risk profile.
- Fees and minimums: Compare transaction, custody, and reward‑distribution fees with those of dedicated crypto platforms.
- Insurance and safeguards: Look for information on deposit insurance, third‑party custodians, and how the bank protects against hacking or operational failures.
- Transparency: Ensure the bank publishes clear terms, risk disclosures, and performance reporting for any passive‑income products.
FAQ
Can any bank start offering crypto services under MiCA?
Yes, any credit institution that meets the notification requirements in Article 60 can provide crypto‑asset services, provided it informs its national regulator at least 40 working days before launch.
Do bank‑offered crypto services require a separate licence?
No. Unlike non‑bank CASPs, banks use the notification route instead of the full authorization process, leveraging their existing banking licence.
Are bank custodial services safer than crypto‑only platforms?
Banks are subject to strict capital, AML, and consumer‑protection rules, which can add layers of security. However, safety also depends on the bank’s specific safeguards, insurance coverage, and the technology it uses for custody.
Will I be able to earn staking rewards through a bank?
Some banks plan to offer staking or other passive‑income products, but availability varies. Review the bank’s product details to understand reward rates, lock‑up periods, and any associated risks.
This article references reporting from cointelegraph.com.
