German banking giant Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is set to begin offering crypto trading services by the summer of 2026, providing its over 50 million customers access to cryptocurrencies. Dekabank, a member of the Sparkassen group and already involved in crypto transactions, will manage this service through the Sparkasse app. The move follows a significant shift in the bank's previously cautious stance towards cryptocurrencies, which were deemed highly speculative and risky. Despite the shift, the German Savings Banks Association (DSGV) emphasized the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies and stated that they would not advertise this service, instead focusing on informing customers about potential risks. Other German banks, such as DZ Bank and Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, are also exploring crypto services. Industry experts suggest that traditional banks must adapt to the rise of digital currencies or risk becoming obsolete, with expectations for increased crypto service adoption by financial institutions.

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