Turkey Tightens Crypto Regulations with New Rules for Exchanges and Custodians
The Turkish CMB now holds complete regulatory authority over crypto asset platforms, overseeing CASP licensing, operations, and compliance.
Key Takeaways:
Initial Focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum: The service will begin by offering custody solutions for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), providing Clearstream’s extensive client base of over 2,500 institutional investors with a secure and regulated means to access these leading cryptocurrencies.
Expansion to Additional Services: Beyond the initial offerings, Clearstream plans to broaden its services to include other cryptocurrencies and diversified offerings such as staking, lending, and brokerage capabilities. This expansion aims to create a comprehensive, one-stop solution encompassing digital asset custody, brokerage, and settlement services.
Leveraging Subsidiary Expertise: The digital asset services will be facilitated through Crypto Finance AG, a Switzerland-based subsidiary of Deutsche Börse that was acquired in 2021. This collaboration leverages Crypto Finance’s expertise to ensure the secure and efficient management of digital assets.
Deutsche Boerse, one of the world’s leading financial exchange operators, has announced its plans to introduce a regulated institutional custody service for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Overview
On March 11 2025, Bloomberg announced that the German exchange group aims to offer BTC and Ether custody to more than 2,5000 institutional clients, with services expected to start in April. Head of issuer services and new digital markets at Clearstream, Jens Hachmeister, said, “With this offering, we are creating a one-stop shop around custody, brokerage and settlement.”
This move signifies a significant step in bridging traditional financial markets with the rapidly evolving digital asset space. The initiative aims to provide a secure, compliant, and efficient platform for institutional investors looking to engage with cryptocurrencies while adhering to strict regulatory frameworks.
The German-based exchange group’s latest development comes amid increasing demand from financial institutions for regulated digital asset services. By offering a dedicated custody solution, Deutsche Boerse seeks to address key concerns around security, compliance, and institutional-grade asset protection, which have often been cited as significant barriers to mainstream crypto adoption.
Deutsche Boerse’s Digital Asset Strategy
Deutsche Boerse has steadily expanded its digital asset offerings over the past few years. With the launch of its institutional custody service, the company reinforces its commitment to establishing a robust infrastructure for crypto investments. This initiative will be executed through its subsidiary Crypto Finance (Deutschland), which recently obtained regulatory approvals from Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
The new custody platform will support institutional clients by providing secure storage solutions for BTC and Ether. Additionally, Deutsche Boerse plans to integrate trading and settlement services to offer a comprehensive digital asset ecosystem. The platform will initially operate on a request-for-quote (RFQ) model, with plans to introduce multilateral trading functionalities.
By combining traditional financial expertise with innovative blockchain solutions, Deutsche Boerse aims to enhance market integrity and provide institutional investors with a seamless experience managing their crypto holdings. The company’s initiative aligns with a broader trend of major financial institutions entering crypto, signalling a growing acceptance of digital assets within the mainstream financial sector.
Regulatory and Security Considerations
Regulatory compliance remains a top priority for Deutsche Boerse’s crypto custody service. The firm has designed its custody solution to meet the stringent requirements of European financial regulations, ensuring that institutional investors can legally engage with digital assets. By securing BaFin’s approval, Deutsche Boerse has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the highest regulatory standards in its digital asset operations.
Security is another critical aspect of the initiative. Institutional investors require robust security measures to protect their digital assets from cyber threats and unauthorised access. Deutsche Boerse’s custody platform will implement advanced security protocols, including multi-signature authentication, cold storage solutions, and continuous monitoring to safeguard client funds.
With the cryptocurrency industry under increasing regulatory scrutiny, Deutsche Boerse’s entry into institutional custody services provides a much-needed boost to the sector. The initiative enhances credibility and paves the way for broader institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies in Europe and beyond.