8 September 2026 | 12:48 Bit2Me has launched Bit2Shield to help police, courts and banks trace cryptocurrency, preserve evidence, secure seized assets and arrange court-authorized sales through its regulated exchange entity.
Key Takeaways Bit2Shield links tracing, custody and liquidation. Authorities control when seized assets are sold. Bitcoinforme handles crypto-to-euro conversions under MiCA. Multisignature key control remains publicly undisclosed. Bit2Me reports €1.5 million processed in 2025. Bit2Shield connects police operations to asset recovery Bit2Shield is the trading name of CryptoShield S.L., a separate company within Bit2Me Group. Spain’s official commercial register shows that it began operating on July 23, 2026. Its registered activities include technological investigations, forensic analysis, expert reports, operational support and blockchain intelligence.
CryptoShield’s sole shareholder and administrator is Devteam S.L., which Bit2Me identifies among the companies in its corporate group. Bitcoinforme S.L., a separate entity in the same group, operates Bit2Me’s regulated exchange services.
Bit2Me says Bit2Shield will serve police, courts, public bodies and financial institutions. Its work will extend from the initial investigation to the eventual transfer of sale proceeds.
Bit2Shield is a private service provider, not an enforcement authority. It can assist with a seizure or liquidation only under instructions from the police, a court or another competent body.
Its investigations division will be led by Adrián Maroño, a former member of the Spanish Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit, according to a statement Bit2Me shared with CoinDesk.
How the proposed seizure process works
Stage Bit2Shield’s stated role Identification Help investigators identify wallets, credentials and relevant transaction data. Tracing Follow blockchain transactions and prepare digitally signed forensic reports. Custody Arrange multisignature cold storage for seized assets. Liquidation Arrange a sale after authorization from the competent authority. Settlement Convert the assets through Bitcoinforme and transfer euros to an official government account. The €1.5 million figure needs context Bit2Me says it processed approximately €1.5 million in seized cryptocurrency during 2025 while working on matters involving Europol, Interpol and Spanish police. According to the company, Chainalysis was used to trace the assets before their conversion into euros for the state.
The figure shows that the group performed seizure-related work before CryptoShield was formally established. It does not reveal the number of cases, the assets involved or whether €1.5 million represents their value when seized, transferred into custody or sold.
Bit2Me describes work on matters involving Europol and Interpol, but it has not published an agency statement or agreement establishing a formal partnership with Bit2Shield.
What seizing cryptocurrency actually involves The first difficult step in the workflow is obtaining effective control of the cryptocurrency. The assets cannot be physically removed from a blockchain; authorities must instead prevent the previous controller from moving them.
With a self-custodied wallet, investigators may need to secure a hardware wallet, private key, recovery phrase, passphrase or another signing device. Finding one item does not guarantee access. A wallet may require an additional passphrase or several signatures, while a recovered phrase may control addresses that have not yet been identified.
This distinction has become more important as criminal groups reportedly use private vaults to store crypto credentials. The coins remain recorded onchain; the physical item provides a way to authorize transactions. Investigators must still determine which addresses the recovered credentials control and whether another password, device or signature is required.
If the cryptocurrency is held by an exchange or another custodian, authorities may instead serve a lawful freezing or transfer order on that provider. United Nations guidance notes that seized virtual assets may be transferred to a secure wallet controlled by a court, law-enforcement body, asset-management office or appointed private company.
Bit2Shield may participate at several stages, but each has a different legal purpose. Tracing identifies the assets, freezing or seizure prevents them from being moved, confiscation permanently removes them through a legal decision, and disposal determines whether they are sold, retained or returned to victims.
Blockchain records are only part of the evidence A blockchain can show that a transaction occurred, but an address does not contain the legal name of its controller. A court-ready case therefore needs evidence connecting the onchain activity to a person, account, device or organization.
Exact requirements differ by jurisdiction, but a defensible chain-of-custody record should identify where the credentials were found, who handled them, which addresses they controlled and how the assets were transferred. Transaction hashes, timestamps and access records can preserve an audit trail after the initial seizure.
Bit2Shield says it will prepare digitally signed reports and can present its findings in court. A digital signature can establish that a report has not been altered since it was signed, but it does not prove that the underlying evidence was collected correctly. The company has not publicly detailed its evidence-retention policy, forensic standards or internal access logs.
Multisignature storage reduces one-key risk Bit2Shield plans to hold seized assets in multisignature cold storage. A multisignature wallet requires a specified number of keys to approve a transaction. In a two-of-three arrangement, for example, three keys exist but any two are needed to move the assets.
This can prevent one lost or compromised key from exposing the entire wallet. It can also divide approval between the service provider and the authority that ordered the seizure. If one organization controls enough keys to meet the threshold, however, it can still move the assets without an outside signer.
Bit2Me has not disclosed how many key shares Bit2Shield will create, who will hold them or whether a court or public authority will control at least one required signature. It has also not specified its recovery procedure, insurance coverage or liability if credentials are lost or misused.
Allegations involving the theft of $46 million from U.S. federal seizure wallets illustrate the risk created when contractors or employees receive excessive access to government-controlled assets. Moving keys offline reduces exposure to remote attacks, but it does not remove insider-access risk.
Authorities decide when seized crypto is sold The competent authority, not Bit2Shield, will decide whether and when seized assets are sold.
That decision can materially affect the recovered amount because cryptocurrency prices may change between the initial seizure and the conclusion of a case. An early sale removes further price exposure but fixes the asset’s value at that point. Holding it preserves the possibility of appreciation while leaving the state or potential recipients exposed to losses.
Governments do not always follow the same approach. A proposed Arizona reserve funded with seized criminal assets, for example, would allow certain cryptocurrency to be retained rather than automatically converted into cash. The proposal shows that retention and liquidation are separate policy choices. Under Bit2Shield’s model, its role in a sale begins only after the competent authority orders one.
Bit2Me has not identified the trading venues, pricing benchmark, fees or slippage controls that would apply to a court-ordered sale. It has also not explained how Bit2Shield would handle a seized token without a liquid euro market.
Why the regulatory split matters Bit2Shield says its investigative, forensic, expert-report and training activities fall outside the scope of MiCA because CryptoShield S.L. is not operating as a crypto-asset service provider. When a case requires cryptocurrency to be exchanged for euros, Bitcoinforme S.L. will conduct the conversion.
Bitcoinforme appears in the CNMV register of authorized crypto-asset service providers. That identifies the legal entity expected to perform the regulated exchange service rather than extending the same status automatically to CryptoShield.
The announcement does not identify which legal entity will act as custodian while assets remain in multisignature storage. Contracts with public authorities will need to define who controls the wallets, which which company bears responsibility for the assets and what protections apply before liquidation.
What authorities should establish before using Bit2Shield
Before appointing Bit2Shield, a public institution would need clear answers to five operational questions:
Which entity is legally responsible while the assets remain in custody? Who holds the keys, and what signing threshold applies? How are evidence access and asset transfers recorded? How are sale prices, venues and fees independently checked? What insurance or compensation applies if assets are lost? Until those controls are publicly disclosed, outside observers cannot fully assess the custody and execution safeguards behind Bit2Shield’s services.
Author
Kosta has reported on cryptocurrency markets and blockchain infrastructure since 2020, bringing over six years of hands-on experience in the crypto industry built through daily tracking of markets, trends, and emerging blockchain developments. Specializing in Bitcoin on-chain analysis, institutional ETF flows, and digital asset price action, his work at Coindoo has been cited by other news agencies and consistently covers market developments with a focus on data-driven reporting across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. Over the years, Kosta has contributed to multiple crypto media outlets in different regions, authoring over 6,000 articles across the sector. His reporting spans cryptocurrency markets and the broader fintech industry, tracking not only price action but also the technological and regulatory forces shaping the ecosystem. To support his analysis, Kosta actively leverages on-chain data and metrics from leading platforms such as Santiment, Glassnode, and CryptoQuant, enabling deeper, evidence-based market insights. He believes in the power of transparency and the data that underpins the blockchain ecosystem. His academic background in Marketing Management from Denmark further complements his analytical approach, adding a strong understanding of communication strategy and content positioning to his work.
Bit2Me, Spain’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has introduced Bit2Shield, a new service aimed at helping law enforcement trace, secure, and liquidate seized digital assets. This specialized unit formalizes Bit2Me’s cooperation with authorities and addresses the increasing complexity of crypto investigations.
Bit2Shield strengthens crypto tracing capabilitiesLegally registered as CryptoShield S.L., Bit2Shield provides support to courts, police departments, and financial institutions during cryptocurrency investigations. Its services include wallet analysis, asset tracing, forensic data extraction, and preparation of digitally signed reports for legal proceedings.
The unit also offers assistance with fraud investigations, verification of funds’ origins, and specialized training for police officers, judges, and banking entities. Investigative operations are led by Adrián Maroño, a former investigator of the Spanish Civil Guard.
Throughout 2025, Bit2Me processed approximately €1.5 million in seized cryptocurrency for agencies such as Interpol, Europol, and Spanish police. Chainalysis supplied blockchain tracing support before Bit2Me converted the recovered assets into euros.
Upon seizure, Bit2Shield places digital assets in multisignature cold wallets until authorities authorize their disposal. The MiCA-authorized Bitcoinforme entity, operated by Bit2Me, then oversees the conversion of crypto to euros and transfers the proceeds to government accounts.
Bit2Shield will enhance law enforcement efforts against crypto-enabled crime by providing secure custody, advanced forensic analysis, and reliable liquidation of assets during legal proceedings.
Rising demand amid surge in crypto fraudThe rise of sophisticated digital crime in Europe has increased the need for expert tracing and recovery solutions. Chainalysis reported that scams and fraud reached $17 billion in stolen cryptocurrency during 2025.
Impersonation scams grew sharply, surging more than 1,400% year-over-year, while AI-powered fraud outperformed conventional schemes. This development has intensified the pressure on authorities to advance blockchain tracing and enhance asset recovery procedures.
Spain continues to face significant cybercrime threats. Data from the Spanish government show 488,426 cybercrimes were recorded in 2025, accounting for nearly a fifth of all reported crimes. Of these, cyber fraud made up 429,677 cases, or almost nine out of ten cybercrime reports.
Recent investigations highlight the value of blockchain intelligence. In August, Chainalysis traced 29,120 crypto addresses and digital identifiers linked to over 100 platforms associated with illicit material distribution, generating 14,300 leads and identifying more than 7,700 suspect accounts.
Physical seizures also illustrate the necessity of advanced custodial processes. In April, Spanish police recovered around €400,000 in cryptocurrency found in cold wallets hidden inside a wall-mounted thermometer during a piracy investigation in Almería.
Bit2Me expands institutional infrastructureThe introduction of Bit2Shield signals Bit2Me’s ongoing shift toward providing institutional and government-focused crypto infrastructure. The exchange continues to strengthen collaborations with banks and aligns its operations with Europe’s advancing MiCA regulations.
Bit2Me’s partnership with Cecabank, which offers a regulated platform for financial institutions, supports institutional crypto infrastructure. Renta 4 Banco became among the first organizations to use the platform as it rolled out digital asset trading to clients.
In 2025, Tether led a €30 million funding round for Bit2Me, with participation from Bankinter, Unicaja, Cecabank, and Telefónica.
The demand for specialized custody also stems from violent attacks on cryptocurrency holders. Chainalysis estimates that over $30 million was stolen through such incidents during the first half of 2026.
Bit2Shield is expected to provide a structured process encompassing identification, seizure, custody, investigation, and asset liquidation. However, its overall effectiveness will depend on collaboration between exchanges, investigators, courts, and international agencies.
These trends underscore a growing need for robust, private-sector infrastructure to support authorities and ensure secure digital asset custody. In a market where a single Fed decision or a sudden altcoin listing can change everything in seconds, jumping between different apps for charts, news, and portfolio tracking is costing investors money. Smart traders are now utilizing privacy-first tools like CryptoAppsy to consolidate everything. Without even the hassle of creating an account, you get real-time charts, smart price alerts, coin-specific news, and critical macro data all on one screen.
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Bit2Me, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Spain, is carving out a niche that most exchanges would rather avoid: working directly with cops. The platform has been acting as a direct liquidator of confiscated digital assets for law enforcement agencies including Interpol, Europol, and Spanish national police, converting seized crypto into fiat currency using blockchain analytics tools from Chainalysis.
So far in 2025, the exchange has processed approximately 1.5 million euros (roughly $1.76 million) in confiscated cryptocurrency on behalf of those agencies.
From retail exchange to government contractor Bit2Me’s law enforcement work is part of a broader strategic shift that’s transforming the company from a retail-focused trading platform into a B2B infrastructure provider serving banks, institutions, and government entities.
The numbers tell the story. B2B revenue now accounts for 27% of Bit2Me’s total revenue in 2025. Trading volume hit 5.3 billion euros ($6.24 billion) this year, an eightfold increase from 2023 figures.
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The exchange supports over 300 digital assets and offers institutional-grade custody services backed by 150 million euros in insurance coverage from Lloyd’s. Its investor roster includes Tether, Spanish bank Bankinter, and telecom giant Telefónica.
Bit2Me reportedly invested roughly 2.5 million euros and approximately 3,000 hours of work to secure its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license from Spain’s securities regulator, the CNMV. That made it the first platform in the country to receive a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorization under the new European framework, which covers custody, exchange, and transfer services.
The Chainalysis connection Bit2Me’s ability to trace and liquidate seized assets rests heavily on its partnership with Chainalysis, the blockchain analytics firm. The two companies have worked together since the early 2020s, with Chainalysis providing the transaction monitoring and tracing capabilities that make compliance and law enforcement cooperation technically feasible.
The model has a clear parallel in the US, where the Marshals Service partnered with Coinbase to handle the custody and potential liquidation of seized digital assets.
MiCA as competitive moat MiCA, which began rolling out across the European Union in 2024, creates a harmonized regulatory framework for crypto-asset service providers across all 27 member states. An exchange licensed in one country can passport its services across the bloc. Bit2Me has already signaled plans to expand into Portugal.
What this means for the broader market Bit2Me’s pivot highlights a trend reshaping crypto infrastructure throughout 2025: the professionalization of exchange services beyond simple buy-and-sell functionality.
The 27% B2B revenue share suggests that Bit2Me is successfully diversifying away from volatile retail trading fees. The involvement of backers like Bankinter and Telefónica signals that legacy institutions are making calculated bets on regulated crypto infrastructure connecting digital assets to existing financial and legal systems.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Spain’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Bit2Me has launched a separate company to help courts, police and financial institutions trace, seize, store and liquidate cryptocurrency linked to investigations.
Summary
Bit2Me has launched Bit2Shield to help courts, police and financial institutions trace, seize, store and sell cryptocurrency. Bit2Me processed €1.5 million in seized crypto for Interpol, Europol and Spanish police during 2025. Seized assets will be held in multisignature cold wallets, with sales arranged when ordered by the relevant authorities. Crypto to euro conversions will be handled by Bitcoinforme, Bit2Me’s entity authorized under MiCA in Spain. According to a statement from Bit2Me, the new unit, Bit2Shield, has been legally registered as CryptoShield S.L. and will provide forensic and operational services covering digital assets from the point they are identified during an investigation through their eventual sale when ordered by authorities.
The company will assist investigators during searches and seizures by extracting information from wallets, locating cryptocurrency and preparing digitally signed forensic reports that can be submitted in court. Its work will extend to fraud investigations, source-of-funds certification and training for police officers, judges and financial institutions.
Bit2Shield formalizes services that Bit2Me had already been providing to government agencies. During 2025, the exchange processed €1.5 million ($1.74 million) in seized cryptocurrency for authorities including Interpol, Europol and Spanish police, according to the company.
Blockchain analytics provider Chainalysis was used to trace the assets before Bit2Me converted the cryptocurrency into euros for the state.
Bit2Shield will manage crypto from seizure to sale Once digital assets have been located and seized, Bit2Shield will arrange their storage in cold wallets protected by a multi-signature setup, Bit2Me said. The assets can remain under custody until authorities issue instructions for their disposal.
When a court or another competent authority orders a sale, Bit2Shield will coordinate the process, while the actual crypto-to-euro conversion will be carried out through Bitcoinforme S.L., Bit2Me’s entity authorized by Spain’s securities regulator under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.
Proceeds from the sale will then be transferred in euros to government bank accounts.
Bit2Me said Bit2Shield itself is not a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA because its activities center on investigations, digital forensics and training. Services that fall under the regulated conversion of cryptocurrency into fiat will remain with Bitcoinforme.
The distinction comes after the EU completed the final stage of its MiCA transition period on July 1. As crypto.news previously reported, only 281 of 1,343 crypto service providers operating across the European Economic Area had secured MiCA authorization by the deadline, leaving 1,062 without approval.
An Aug. 5 review of ESMA authorization data found that the regulator’s interim register is updated weekly and covers regulated activities including custody, crypto-to-fiat exchange, trading platforms, transfers, order execution and portfolio management. The data has since been made available through a searchable MiCA tracker for firms and compliance teams.
Bit2Me has expanded its work with banks The new forensic unit follows Bit2Me’s expansion into infrastructure used by traditional financial institutions, alongside its retail cryptocurrency exchange business.
In June, Spanish banking group Cecabank launched a regulated crypto platform for financial institutions after securing authorization for crypto custody, transfers and the reception and transmission of orders.
Bit2Me handles trade execution, liquidity, market access and the exchange layer under that arrangement, while Cecabank provides institutional custody and banking infrastructure. Renta 4 Banco became one of the first financial institutions to use the platform as it developed crypto trading services for clients.
The project grew out of a partnership established in May 2024. The two companies initially announced the MiCA-ready infrastructure in May 2025 while they were waiting for regulatory approval, with Bit2Me assigned responsibility for trading and market access.
Cecabank later began the European passporting process to extend its authorized crypto services into Ireland, Portugal and Luxembourg.
Bit2Me’s shareholders and financial backers include companies from both banking and crypto. Tether acquired a minority interest in the Spanish exchange in 2025 and led a €30 million funding round intended to support its expansion in Europe and Latin America. The Tether investment followed Bit2Me’s receipt of authorization under MiCA, allowing it to operate across EU member states.
Bankinter, Unicaja, Cecabank and Telefónica are among the other companies that have backed Bit2Me.
Crypto seizures require specialized custody Bit2Shield is entering a field where police agencies have increasingly turned to specialized crypto companies to manage digital assets after seizure.
South Korea’s National Police Agency, for example, awarded Upbit operator Dunamu a one-year contract in August to custody seized cryptocurrency after a public tender. Under that arrangement, confiscated assets are stored through Upbit Custody using offline cold wallets, with separate wallets for different types of assets and security based on multi-party computation, distributed key generation and multi-signature technology.
Spanish authorities have faced the same operational issue when cryptocurrency is recovered during criminal investigations. In April, National Police officers seized approximately €400,000 in crypto held in two cold wallets during an investigation into a manga piracy operation in Almería. The cold wallets were concealed inside a wall-mounted thermometer, according to police.
The case involved a Spanish-language manga piracy platform that authorities said had operated for roughly a decade and generated more than €4 million in advertising revenue since 2014. Three people were arrested during the operation.
Blockchain tracing can remain useful after investigators identify or recover digital assets because transactions leave records that can be followed across public networks. Chainalysis said in August that investigators can trace funds even in cases involving physical cryptocurrency theft, while its research documented more than $30 million stolen through successful kidnappings, home invasions and other violent attacks during the first half of 2026.
In a separate investigation disclosed in August, Chainalysis traced 29,120 cryptocurrency addresses and digital identifiers connected to more than 100 child sexual abuse material platforms, forums and distribution networks. The work generated 14,300 investigative leads and identified more than 7,700 suspect accounts across cryptocurrency exchanges and payment platforms.
Bit2Shield’s investigations will be led by Adrián Maroño, a former member of the Spanish Civil Guard’s Central Operational Unit, known as UCO. His responsibilities will cover the forensic and investigative work carried out by the new company for courts, law enforcement agencies and financial institutions.
Coreum (CORE), an XRPL-based token, secures a listing on leading Latin American Exchange Bit2Me alongside a partnership with the University of California.
Coreum (CORE) has recently been integrated into Bit2Me, an exchange in Spain and Latin America. This integration is part of Coreum’s ongoing efforts to enhance interoperability within the crypto sector.
Coreum is now live on @bit2me, the leading regulated exchange in Spain and LATAM.
While bringing $COREUM to new markets, Bit2Me enables diverse use cases on the platform such as instant transfers via email or phone number, #crypto payments for e-commerce, and more.
Now Live:… pic.twitter.com/nqlxLrODfW
— Coreum (@CoreumOfficial) May 9, 2024
With its listing on Bit2Me, Coreum is now accessible to a wider audience in the burgeoning markets of Spain and Latin America. Bit2Me offers a suite of services that complement Coreum’s offerings, including the ability to conduct instant transfers via email or phone number, and the facilitation of cryptocurrency payments for e-commerce.
On the same day, Coreum also announced a partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara through its University Ambassador Program. This collaboration will feature during the upcoming UCSB Blockchain Summit, further highlighting Coreum’s commitment to fostering education and engagement in the blockchain community.
Fast Transactions Meet Modern Finance Needs Coreum, built on top of Tendermint and Cosmos SDK, is designed to handle enterprise-scale operations with a transaction speed capability of up to 7,000 transactions per second (TPS). Its architecture is compliant with ISO20022 standards, facilitating efficient cross-border settlements.
As earlier reported by The Crypto Basic, Coreum launched a bridge to the XRP Ledger (XRPL), allowing seamless transactions between the two chains and enhancing liquidity for its users. There was a surge in volume of XRP tokens bridged to the Coreum network by market participants in April.
Bit2Me on its hand supports multi-currency operations, allowing users to manage both Coreum and traditional money efficiently. The platform’s flexibility extends to creating multiple wallets in different currencies, tailored to various spending needs such as holiday savings or monthly budgeting.
Coreum Suffers Market Decline Despite these technological strides and market expansions, Coreum’s market price has faced downward pressure. Currently priced at $0.0951, with a 24-hour trading volume of $1,834,419.43, it has experienced a 2.66% decline in the last day and a 6.40% fall over the past week.
These figures indicate a challenging environment for Coreum, especially when contrasted with the broader cryptocurrency market’s slight downturn of 0.10% and other similar cryptocurrencies, which have collectively risen by 5.70%. On the social engagement front, Coreum’s visibility in cryptocurrency-related discussions has shown fluctuations correlating with its market activity, per Santiment data.
At its peak in December 2023, Coreum achieved a high trending rank on social platforms, indicating a spike in public interest and discussion during that period. However, this interest has seen a decline following the peak, as evidenced by a downward trend in social volume and engagement metrics.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
French banking giant ODDO BHF is launching a euro-backed stablecoin called EUROD, designed to be a compliant digital version of the euro.EUROD will be listed on Madrid-based crypto platform Bit2Me, which is backed by major institutions including telecom giant Telefonica and banking giants Unicaja and BBVA.The stablecoin meets EU regulatory requirements under MiCA and is aimed at both retail and institutional users, the companies said.175-year-old French banking giant ODDO BHF, which manages over €150 billion ($173 billion) in assets, is entering the crypto space with the launch of a euro-backed stablecoin dubbed EUROD.
The token is set to be listed on Madrid-based crypto platform Bit2Me, one of the largest exchanges in the Spanish-speaking world that’s backed by telecom giant Telefonica and other major institutions including banking giants Unicaja and BBVA.
EUROD, according to a press release shared with CoinDesk, is designed to be a compliant, low-volatility digital version of the euro. The firms said it meets requirements under the EU’s new MiCA regulation and is aimed at both retail and institutional users.
Bit2Me, which saw Tether lead a €30 million ($35 million) investment round in it earlier this year, is positioning the listing as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto.
“The listing of ODDO BHF’s euro stablecoin is another important step in Bit2Me’s mission to offer trusted, regulated digital assets,” said Leif Ferreira, Bit2Me’s CEO.
By pairing a euro-pegged digital asset with a regulated banking institution, ODDO BHF is betting on a growing demand for payment solutions that combine the stability of fiat with the convenience of blockchain rails.
PANews reported on October 15th that ODDO BHF, a 175-year-old French banking giant with over €150 billion (US$173 billion) in assets under management, is entering the cryptocurrency space with the launch of a euro-backed stablecoin called EUROD. The token will be listed on the Madrid-based cryptocurrency platform Bit2Me. EUROD is designed to be a compliant, low-volatility digital version of the euro. The companies stated that the token complies with the EU's new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation and is targeted at both retail and institutional users.
French banking giant ODDO BHF has made a significant entry into the cryptocurrency market by launching its Euro-pegged stablecoin, EUROD. According to CoinDesk, this stablecoin will be listed on the Madrid-based Bit2Me platform. Positioning itself as a low-volatility payment tool, EUROD is targeted for both individual and institutional use. The project aligns with the European Union’s MiCA framework. Supported by institutions like Telefónica and BBVA, Bit2Me reinforces the trust factor combined with a banking-backed issuer. ODDO BHF, with a 175-year history and over €150 billion in asset management, is crafting a new bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology.
EUROD Coin: A New Digital Euro Under MiCA ComplianceEUROD is defined as a compliant digital Euro version under the MiCA framework. The target audience comprises users who want to conduct transactions within a regulated framework for payment and transfer scenarios. Bit2Me, a scaled player in Spanish-speaking markets, considers this listing as a bridge. Leif Ferreira, CEO of Bit2Me, emphasizes the mission to expand the set of regulated and reliable assets, stating that a bank-supported Euro peg will accelerate the platform’s corporate expansion.
Earlier this year, Bit2Me grabbed attention with a €30 million funding round led by Tether. When ODDO BHF’s banking status merges with Bit2Me’s market reach, the Euro-pegged digital payment layer aims to capture corporate demand in treasury, commercial payments, and cross-border transfers, in addition to individual users. The involvement of European issuers amid a global dominance of dollar-pegged coins increases currency diversity.
Growing Competition for Euro-Pegged Stablecoins in EuropeThe European market has grown familiar with bank-supported Euro-pegged stablecoins, with Société Générale-FORGE’s EURCV launch. As of September, nine banks, including ING, Banca Sella, Danske Bank, DekaBank, and CaixaBank, had announced MiCA-compliant Euro-pegged stablecoin initiatives. EUROD by ODDO BHF positions itself in this league with oversight from banking and the narrative of regulated reserves. Its differentiating factor is an exchange listing that prioritizes accessibility from day one.
Despite the market being dominated by dollar-based stablecoins, the options for Euro-based payments and corporate cash management are anticipated to rise. The natural advantage of Euro-denominated settlements in intra-European exchanges, combined with regulatory clarity, may accelerate adoption. EUROD’s deployment on Bit2Me highlights an attempt to unite regulatory compliance with market liquidity.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
TLDR:ODDO BHF Launches EUROD for Retail and Institutional UsersEUROD Debut on Bit2Me Strengthens Bank-Crypto LinksGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks ODDO BHF launches EUROD, a euro-backed stablecoin, entering crypto markets for retail and institutions. EUROD will debut on Bit2Me, supported by Telefonica and Spanish banks Unicaja and BBVA. EUROD complies with EU MiCA regulations, offering a low-volatility euro digital token for users. ODDO BHF manages over €150 billion in assets and aims to bridge traditional finance with crypto.
French banking giant ODDO BHF is stepping into the cryptocurrency market with a new euro-backed stablecoin.
The bank, which manages over €150 billion in assets, aims to provide a regulated, low-volatility digital version of the euro. This move signals ODDO BHF’s entry into both retail and institutional crypto markets.
EUROD, the newly launched token, will be available on a major Spanish exchange. The initiative reflects growing interest from traditional banks in digital currencies.
ODDO BHF Launches EUROD for Retail and Institutional Users EUROD is designed to meet the European Union’s MiCA regulatory requirements. According to a release, the token targets both retail investors and institutional clients.
The stablecoin aims to offer low volatility compared to traditional cryptocurrencies. ODDO BHF emphasized compliance and accessibility as central features of EUROD.
The bank’s 175-year history provides credibility in managing a secure digital currency. EUROD could serve as a bridge between conventional finance and blockchain technology.
The stablecoin allows users to transact digitally while remaining tethered to the euro. This ensures predictable pricing and reduces exposure to crypto market swings.
Bit2Me, the Madrid-based platform hosting EUROD, is backed by telecom giant Telefonica and banking groups Unicaja and BBVA. This institutional support strengthens the exchange’s reach and reliability.
The listing ensures EUROD gains immediate access to a large European user base. It also provides infrastructure for secure token custody and compliance.
Experts note that stablecoins like EUROD are increasingly favored for payments and trading. The combination of regulatory compliance and euro backing may attract cautious investors.
By entering this market, ODDO BHF positions itself alongside emerging digital finance players. This move reflects banks’ growing willingness to adopt blockchain technology.
French banking giant ODDO BHF has announced the launch of its euro-backed stablecoin EUROD, marking its official entry into the cryptocurrency sector. The bank manages over €150 billion (approximately $173 billion) in assets. EUROD will debut on the Madrid-based crypto platform…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 15, 2025
EUROD Debut on Bit2Me Strengthens Bank-Crypto Links The Bit2Me platform is one of the largest crypto exchanges in the Spanish-speaking world. Listing EUROD there allows ODDO BHF to reach a diverse market quickly.
The exchange’s backing by major institutions ensures robust liquidity and credibility. Early access could encourage adoption among both retail and corporate users.
ODDO BHF’s entry into crypto highlights the trend of traditional banks exploring digital assets. By launching EUROD, the bank seeks to combine stability with blockchain innovation.
Analysts anticipate that the euro-backed token will provide an alternative to dollar-pegged stablecoins. The firm’s large asset base provides confidence in EUROD’s financial backing.
The launch also opens opportunities for cross-border transactions within the eurozone. EUROD can be used for payments, trading, and institutional treasury operations.
The token’s compliance with MiCA regulation ensures legal clarity. ODDO BHF’s initiative may inspire other European banks to explore stablecoins.
French banking institution ODDO BHF has recently launched a new euro-backed stablecoin, EUROD. The token will be listed on the Madrid crypto platform Bit2Me.
Summary
French banking giant ODDO BHF has launched its euro-backed stablecoin, EUROD, marking its first move into the crypto market. The launch comes amid a broader push by European banks to develop euro-pegged stablecoins to challenge the dominance of U.S. dollar tokens. According to a recent report by CoinDesk, the French banking giant has launched its own stablecoin pegged to the euro. The token will be dubbed EUROC and is set to be listed on the Madrid-based crypto exchange Bit2Me. The token is meant to be a “low-volatility” digital asset version of the euro that is compliant with the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework.
EUROD will be backed on a 1:1 ratio and is aimed at both retail and institutional users.
The move marks a significant step for the traditional financial institution, which manages more than €150 billion or approximately $173 billion in assets across Europe. ODDO BHF aims to provide a secure and regulated digital asset option for investors seeking stability within the volatile crypto market.
“The listing of ODDO BHF’s euro stablecoin is another important step in Bit2Me’s mission to offer trusted, regulated digital assets,” said Bit2Me CEO Leif Ferreira in a press release sent to CoinDesk.
Earlier this year, Bit2Me successfully raised €30 million or $35 million in an investment round led by the stablecoin issuer tycoon Tether. Through the listing of ODDO BHF’s EUROD, it hopes to narrow the gap between tradition finance and the crypto market.
ODDO BHF’s first venture into crypto The launch of the euro-backed stablecoin marks the first dive into the crypto space. The firm joins a number of financial institutions in Europe that have jumped on the stablecoin bandwagon. Earlier this month Societe Generale’s digital asset arm launched its U.S dollar-backed and euro-pegged stablecoins on Morpho and Uniswap.
As previously reported by crypto.news, SG-FORGE aims to position is stablecoins as options instead of replacements for fiat currency. The firm views stablecoins as regulated instruments meant for specific use cases.
On the other hand, nine European banks including UniCredit SpA, ING Groep NV, DekaBank, Banca Sella, KBC Group NV, and Danske Bank AS have teamed up with the intention of launching a joint-stablecoin venture powered by the euro. The token will also be MiCA-compliant.
A few days prior, Citigroup announced that it would be joining the consortium of nine banks to launch a euro-backed stablecoin.
The heightened interest surrounding euro-backed tokens is influenced by the need to challenge the U.S dollar’s domination in the stablecoin market. According to data from DeFi Llama, the number one stablecoin in the world by market cap is Tether’s USDT (USDT), with a market domination of 59.01%.
Meanwhile, euro-backed stablecoins only contribute around $573.9 million out of the total $306 billion stablecoin market cap. The largest euro stablecoin is Circle’s EURC (EURC) with a market cap of $266 million. In second place is EURS (EURS), followed by EUR CoinVertible’s EURCV (EURCV).
ODDO BHF aims to launch a new euro-backed stablecoin, joining the lineup of existing players | Source: CoinGecko
Bankinter has taken a minority stake in Spanish crypto exchange Bit2Me, joining a $33 million funding round that also included Tether.The investment strengthens Bit2Me's capital structure and supports its regulatory ambitions in Europe and Latin America, as it operates under the EU's new MiCA regulation, the exchange said.The deal marks another example of traditional banks collaborating with crypto firms, with Bit2Me already working with major Spanish financial institutions including BBVA, Unicaja and Cecabank.Spanish banking giant Bankinter has taken a minority stake in crypto exchange Bit2Me, joining a 30 million euro ($33 million) funding round involving Tether in August 2025.
The investment adds another traditional bank to Bit2Me’s growing list of backers, which already includes major local financial institutions including BBVA, Unicaja and Cecabank.
Bit2Me, headquartered in Madrid, is among the first firms registered under the EU’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, allowing it to operate across the entire European bloc. The company has positioned itself as a business-to-business gateway for banks seeking compliant access to crypto markets.
Bankinter said in a release that the deal is aimed at fostering “technological and knowledge-based synergies,” specifically in areas leveraging distributed ledger technology (DLT).
While exact terms weren’t disclosed, the agreement strengthens Bit2Me’s capital structure and adds weight to its regulatory ambitions in Europe and Latin America.
Over the past 18 months, Bit2Me has quietly embedded itself in traditional finance. It acts as a backend crypto service provider for Turkey’s Garanti BBVA, and jointly launched a custody and trading platform with Cecabank, according to documents shared with CoinDesk.
In a statement, Bit2Me CFO Pablo Casadío framed the Bankinter deal as a sign that banks are choosing collaboration over competition.
“This alliance confirms that the banking sector can leverage our deep industry know-how to enhance its offering. Instead of competing, we are integrating strengths,” Casadío said.
The firm’s ties to traditional financial institutions go deeper, however. In July 2024, Spanish bank Unicaja, through its investment arm Unicaja Ventures, acquired a stake of over 5% in the exchange and secured a seat on its board of directors.
PANews reported on January 14 that, according to CoinDesk, Spanish bank Bankinter has acquired a minority stake in local cryptocurrency exchange Bit2Me, participating in the exchange's €30 million funding round to be completed in August 2025. This round also included stablecoin issuer Tether.
Bankinter's move joins Bit2Me's growing group of bank shareholders, following support from major financial institutions such as Spain's BBVA, Unicaja, and Cecabank. Headquartered in Madrid, Bit2Me was one of the first companies to register under the EU's Crypto Asset Markets Regulation (MiCA), allowing it to operate throughout the EU.
Spain’s established bank, Bankinter, has ventured into the cryptocurrency industry by acquiring a minority stake in the crypto exchange Bit2Me, marking a significant step in the European financial realm. This investment was made as part of a 30 million euro funding round completed in August 2025, which also included the participation of Tether. Based in Madrid, Bit2Me distinguishes itself with the MiCA registration, allowing it to operate across the European Union, thereby strengthening its objective to bridge traditional banking and cryptocurrency infrastructures. This development exemplifies a shift in the banking sector’s approach toward cryptocurrency—moving from competition to collaboration.
Framework of the Bankinter–Bit2Me PartnershipBankinter’s announcement emphasized the goal of creating synergies focused on distributed ledger technology through this investment. While details on share percentages and financial terms remain undisclosed, the agreement bolstered Bit2Me’s capital structure and offered corporate support for its compliant growth strategy. Bankinter opted to collaborate with a licensed and regulated infrastructure provider rather than entering the crypto market directly.
The investment round has further diversified Bit2Me’s already strong investor base, which includes entities like BBVA, Unicaja, and Cecabank. This scenario illustrates how Spanish banks are approaching the cryptocurrency market with a controlled, partnership-based strategy.
Bit2Me’s CFO, Pablo Casadío, described the Bankinter investment as indicative of banks’ preference for integration over competition. According to Casadío, banks aim to swiftly develop their products and services by leveraging external technical expertise in the cryptocurrency sector.
MiCA, Corporate Infrastructure, and Regional ExpansionBit2Me ranks among the first companies to register under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This status enables the company to operate with a single license across Europe, significantly reducing compliance risks for banks. The company positions itself more as a B2B gateway serving banks and financial institutions rather than individual investors.
Over the past 18 months, Bit2Me’s integration with traditional finance has markedly accelerated. The firm provides back-end crypto services for Garanti BBVA in Turkey and, in collaboration with Cecabank, has established a joint platform covering custody and trading infrastructure. These strategic moves are seen as concrete indicators of Bit2Me’s ambition for compliant growth in markets such as Latin America and Turkey.
In July 2024, Bit2Me secured an investment exceeding 5% through Unicaja Ventures and included a bank representative on its board, further solidifying its corporate legitimacy. From a European banking perspective, this scenario suggests a preference for partnering with licensed technology providers rather than entering the crypto markets as direct competitors.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
The VIX Fear Index for the US stock market stands at 18.63 today, with fear sentiment intensifying in the crypto market.
According to Cboe data, the U.S. stock market's VIX Fear Index stands at 18.63 as of today, down 0.86 points from the prior reading of 19.49, marking a decline of approximately 4.41%. Separately, per Alternative data, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index is at 12 today (compared to 17 yesterday), indicating intensifying extreme fear sentiment.
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Bankinter has joined the shareholder structure of Bit2Me after reaching an agreement to participate in the Spanish crypto firm’s €30 million funding round, originally announced in August. The investment positions Bankinter alongside leading strategic and institutional partners as Bit2Me accelerates its European and Latin American growth plans.
The move reflects Bankinter’s broader strategy of investing in technology-driven financial innovation, with a particular focus on distributed ledger technology (DLT) and regulated digital asset infrastructure. Through the partnership, both firms will explore technological synergies and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
For Bit2Me, the addition of Bankinter further strengthens its capital base following the receipt of its European regulatory licence in mid-2025, reinforcing its status as a regulated crypto infrastructure provider in the EU.
Takeaway
Bankinter’s investment signals growing alignment between traditional banks and regulated crypto firms, with collaboration replacing competition as institutions look to offer secure digital asset services.
Strategic Investment Focused on Technology and DLT The primary objective of Bankinter’s investment is to develop technological and knowledge-based synergies with Bit2Me. By taking a stake in the company, the bank positions itself alongside a domestic technology partner with deep expertise in blockchain and digital assets.
Bankinter has consistently used venture capital investments to anticipate shifts in the financial landscape, particularly in areas where regulation and technology intersect. The partnership with Bit2Me enables the bank to explore DLT-based solutions while leveraging Bit2Me’s established crypto infrastructure.
This approach reflects a broader trend among European banks, which are increasingly opting to collaborate with regulated fintech and crypto-native firms rather than build capabilities entirely in-house.
Fueling Bit2Me’s European and LATAM Expansion The investment comes at a pivotal moment for Bit2Me. Having obtained its European regulatory licence on July 29, the company is now positioned to scale its services across the EU under a harmonised regulatory framework.
Backed by strategic partners including Telefónica, Inveready, Investcorp, Tether, BBVA, Unicaja and Cecabank, Bit2Me plans to accelerate expansion throughout Europe while also strengthening its footprint in Argentina and other Latin American markets.
The reinforced capital structure supports Bit2Me’s ambition to consolidate its position as a leading crypto services provider in both Europe and the Spanish-speaking world, combining regulatory compliance with scalable infrastructure.
Banking and Crypto Converge Through Partnership Pablo Casadío, CFO of Bit2Me, said the agreement demonstrates how banks and crypto firms can integrate complementary strengths. He noted that financial institutions can leverage Bit2Me’s industry expertise to enhance their own offerings rather than compete directly.
According to Casadío, Europe now presents a favourable environment for regulated crypto adoption, and Bit2Me’s technological and regulatory foundations make it a natural partner for banks seeking to provide clients with secure access to digital assets.
For Bankinter, the deal reinforces its long-standing reputation as a digital pioneer in Spanish banking, while for Bit2Me it marks another step in bridging traditional finance and the crypto ecosystem under a regulated, collaborative model.
PANews reported on March 18th that, according to official sources, HTX DAO has recently launched a series of empowerment measures surrounding $HTX, covering multiple dimensions such as compliant market expansion, on-chain staking, trading application scenarios, and deflationary mechanisms, to enhance $HTX's positioning and long-term value in the new market cycle. Specifically, these include: On March 4th, $HTX officially launched on the European compliant trading platform Bit2Me, further broadening fiat currency access and user participation channels in Europe. On March 16th, HTX DAO launched the $HTX staking Beta version, allowing users to earn rewards through staking and participate in HTX DAO governance. The official version will subsequently launch an interest rate increase campaign, with a maximum annualized yield of 10%. Furthermore, starting April 1st, $HTX will become the only fee-deductible token on the Huobi HTX exchange, offering users a 25% discount when using $HTX to pay fees. On April 15th, HTX DAO will implement its Q1 2026 quarterly burn plan to continuously optimize the $HTX circulating supply structure. The ongoing implementation of multiple initiatives is gradually improving the collaborative system of $HTX in trading, governance, and supply mechanisms, providing multi-dimensional support for $HTX's value proposition in the new market cycle.
The VIX Fear Index for the US stock market stands at 18.63 today, with fear sentiment intensifying in the crypto market.
According to Cboe data, the U.S. stock market's VIX Fear Index stands at 18.63 as of today, down 0.86 points from the prior reading of 19.49, marking a decline of approximately 4.41%. Separately, per Alternative data, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index is at 12 today (compared to 17 yesterday), indicating intensifying extreme fear sentiment.
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Bank of Japan (BOJ) Policy Board member Naoki Tamura stated that if upside risks to price growth intensify further, the BOJ should not hesitate to accelerate the pace of interest rate hikes or raise rates by a larger margin. He projected that the BOJ will implement interest rate hikes every few months until its policy rate reaches the neutral level of around 2%. (Golden Ten)
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Crypto token M plunged over 80% in a short period, hitting a low near $0.5.
According to HTX market data, the token M saw a sharp short-term price plunge, with its decline once exceeding 80% and hitting a low of around $0.5, and is now trading at $0.54.
3 minutes ago
Blockchain data infrastructure firm Cambrian has closed a $6 million funding round, jointly led by Franklin Templeton and Polychain Capital.
Blockchain data infrastructure project Cambrian has closed a $6 million seed round, co-led by Franklin Templeton and Polychain Capital, with participation from Flow Traders, Selini Capital, and other investors. The project previously raised a $5.9 million pre-seed round led by a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator, bringing its total funding to $11.9 million. Cambrian currently provides institutional investors and AI Agents with real-time and historical data APIs covering on-chain yields, risks, lending markets, and trading activities, and plans to further build a verifiable data oracle network. Official data shows it has indexed over $4.5 billion in lending TVL, tracks more than 320,000 DEX liquidity pools, and currently supports Base and Solana, with plans to expand to additional ecosystems including Ethereum. The funds will be used to expand on-chain data coverage, accelerate oracle network development, and team recruitment.
3 minutes ago
Whale 0xbilly pulled off another "buy high, sell low" move, exiting with a $220,000 loss in a single day.
According to EmberCN’s monitoring, whale address 0xbilly liquidated 2,409 ETH in the early hours of today when ETH fell to around $1,569.5, worth approximately $3.78 million, with a total loss of roughly $220,000. Notably, this batch of ETH was purchased just one day ago for about 4 million USDC, at an average price of approximately $1,660.2. The address also previously bought 7,768.5 ETH at a high of $2,254 in March this year, valued at around $17.51 million, and exited via stop-loss four days later, incurring a loss of roughly $800,000.
3 minutes ago
Two whales opened a short position worth approximately $90 million on the S&P 500.
According to monitoring by Onchain Lens, two whale addresses are building short positions on the S&P 500, with a combined position of approximately $90 million. Details are as follows: Whale address "0x469" has opened 6,500 S&P 500 short positions, using 20x leverage, valued at around $48 million, with a liquidation price of $8,413.66. Whale address "0x4ff" has opened 5,686.66 S&P 500 short positions, using 7x leverage, valued at around $42 million, with a liquidation price of $8,358.13.
PANews reported on May 9th that, according to CriptoNoticias, Spanish coffee chain Vanadi is caught in a "death spiral" a year after venturing into Bitcoin. The company transitioned to a Bitcoin treasury model in 2025 and currently holds 213 BTC, but suffered a loss of $7.8 million in 2025. To maintain operations, Vanadi has issued a large number of convertible bonds, converting them into shares at a 5% discount to the market price, causing its share price to plummet 74% this year and resulting in the issuance of 98.1 million new shares, severely diluting investors.
The company faces an emergency payment shortfall of €1.4 million and will need €65 million in financing in the coming months. Although it claims to hold 213 BTC, 61% (130.18 BTC) are locked up as collateral on the Spanish exchange Bit2Me, meaning the company has no control over them. Analysts believe that the viability of the institutional treasury model is questionable when there is no cash flow to support the debt.
PANews reported on June 11 that, according to PRNewswire, Spanish bank Cecabank has launched a crypto asset custody service for financial institutions, with Renta 4 Banco as its first client and Bit2Me as its partner. Cecabank provides the custody infrastructure, while Bit2Me provides the execution platform, liquidity, and market access. The service covers crypto asset services such as custody, order taking and transmission, and transfers. Cecabank was registered as a crypto asset service provider by the Bank of Spain in November 2024 and received its MiCA license in July 2025.
Spanish-based custodian bank Cecabank has announced the launch of its cryptocurrency custody service. The new offering was rolled out in partnership with Bit2Me, a prominent Spanish crypto platform. According to the company, Cecabank now manages assets totaling more than 400 billion euros as of early 2026.
Cecabank enters crypto custody after MiCA licenseWith this development, Cecabank joins a growing list of traditional European custodian banks moving into the digital asset space following the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The bank launched its crypto service after obtaining a MiCA license from Spain’s capital markets regulator CNMV in 2025, and has also registered with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
Glossary: MiCA is a regulatory framework created by the European Union for crypto asset service providers. It aims to establish a more harmonized system for licensing, investor protection, and operational obligations across member states.
Bit2Me, reporting more than $280 million in daily spot trading volume according to CoinMarketCap data, has assumed both the role of technology partner and first client under the new arrangement.
Cecabank views its crypto custody service as a natural extension of its existing institutional operations and highlights that the system is built on the infrastructure already used by its corporate clients.
Service focused on institutional clients, not individualsCecabank does not offer services directly to individual customers. Instead, it operates as an infrastructure provider, supporting more than 100 financial institutions used by consumers with clearing, custody, and depository services. Its network spans over 70 international markets.
This strategic move represents not a retail product launch but rather strengthens cryptocurrency custody within the institutional financial ecosystem. While Cecabank is early to the space, it is by no means alone in its ambitions.
Banks are turning to crypto in the US and EuropeThroughout 2025 and into 2026, US banks have also started to move into crypto services. In July 2025, the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation jointly declared that nationally chartered banks could offer crypto custody services, provided they have adequate risk management and compliance frameworks in place.
According to data shared by financial services company River, 60% of the top 25 US banks have launched or publicly announced Bitcoin-linked products, which include custody, trading, and crypto-backed lending solutions.
Shahmir Khaliq, head of Citi’s securities services unit, stressed that establishing a crypto custody platform is now of critical importance. Meanwhile, major US banks like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo are also among the institutions advancing their digital asset service offerings.
Competition intensifies among custodiansWith MiCA taking full effect in late 2024, European institutions like Cecabank have had an opportunity to secure an early foothold. The bank is expanding not just on the product front but geographically as well, opening a new office in Luxembourg, joining the Luxembourg Bankers’ Association (ABBL), and chairing its Depositary Cluster.
Competition in crypto custody is heating up. Standard Chartered has entered into an agreement to acquire digital asset custodian Zodia Custody. At the same time, Citi is building its own platform, and smaller US banks are partnering with fintechs to roll out Bitcoin services through mobile apps.
For Cecabank, the key question going forward is whether its institutional-focused business model, early adoption of the MiCA license, and presence in one of Europe’s leading fund centers will give it a lasting competitive edge.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.
TLDR: Cecabank’s MiCA-regulated crypto custody platform is now live for key Spanish financial firms today. Renta 4 Banco is an early firm to use Cecabank’s new regulated crypto platform for client access. Bit2Me supports the platform with trading, liquidity, market access, and execution for client banks. Cecabank is seeking MiCA passporting in Ireland, Portugal, and Luxembourg to expand its reach in the wider EU market. Cecabank has launched a MiCA-regulated crypto custody platform for financial institutions in Spain, moving its digital asset project into live production. The platform brings Renta 4 Banco on as an early client and links traditional banking workflows with crypto trading infrastructure.
Cecabank will provide custody, banking, and technology services, while Bit2Me will manage trading, liquidity, and market access. The launch follows regulatory approval for custody, transfers, and reception and transmission of orders.
MiCA-regulated crypto custody reaches Spanish institutions The MiCA-regulated crypto custody service is designed for banks, brokers, and wealth managers. Cecabank said the platform extends its traditional custody and post-trading model into digital assets. That gives institutions a route to offer crypto services without having to build every component internally.
Renta 4 Banco is the launch client for the service. The Spanish investment and wealth management bank is using the platform as it develops its own crypto trading offering for customers. Cecabank said the model gives clients an end-to-end framework for trading and custody.
The infrastructure was built through a partnership with Bit2Me, first announced in May 2024. Cecabank contributes securities services experience, compliance processes, and secure custody infrastructure. Bit2Me adds exchange technology, market access, liquidity, and execution services.
The setup covers the main parts of the crypto service chain. It includes real-time market data, advanced execution, secure custody, and operational support.
Cecabank said the goal is to reduce complexity for financial firms entering the digital asset space.
Arrancamos nuestro servicio de custodia de criptoactivos para entidades financieras, acompañando a @Renta4 en el desarrollo de su oferta de compraventa de #ActivosDigitales.
Un paso más para acercar la banca tradicional y el ecosistema cripto bajo los más altos estándares de… pic.twitter.com/s9NnNIPzAT
— Cecabank (@Cecabank_es) June 10, 2026
Cecabank expands crypto asset services across Europe Cecabank said its authorization allows it to provide custody, transfers, and order reception and transmission services.
The license places the MiCA-regulated crypto custody platform inside Europe’s new crypto regulatory structure. Moreover, the bank is registered with the Bank of Spain as a crypto-asset service provider.
The group has started the European passporting process under MiCA.
Cecabank wants to extend its crypto asset services into Ireland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. That move could make the platform available to more financial institutions outside Spain.
At launch, Cecabank plans to support major cryptocurrencies and stablecoins that fit European regulatory standards. The stablecoin component is important for banks watching settlement, liquidity, and payment use cases.
MiCA has created a clearer path for regulated stablecoin activity in the region.
Aurora Cuadros, corporate director of securities services at Cecabank, said the bank is taking a natural step from traditional custody into digital assets.
She said the MiCA-regulated crypto custody model helps institutions such as Renta 4 Banco offer crypto trading with stronger operational guarantees.
Bit2Me said the launch supports integrating institutional crypto infrastructure into banking workflows. Gabriel Ayala, director of banking solutions at Bit2Me, said the service demonstrates how regulated crypto access can fit within traditional financial systems.
The rollout adds to Spain’s growing bank-led crypto market. For instance, BBVA has explored Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody through infrastructure managed directly by the bank.
