Deutsche Börse Group has launched a crypto spot platform for institutional clients, named Deutsche Börse Digital Exchange (DBDX).

DBDX claims to provide a fully regulated, secure ecosystem for trading, settlement and custody of crypto assets, leveraging existing connectivity to market participants.

The platform will also offer a suite of secure financial solutions for digital assets from a single point of access and across the value chain.

Initially, trading on the DBDX will take place on a request for quote (RFQ) basis, followed by multilateral trading.

Deutsche Börse operates the trading venue, while Crypto Finance (Deutschland) will provide settlement and custody services.

DBDX will help support development of a trusted digital asset ecosystem that meets institutional-grade standards.

Read more: Digital assets and traditional finance: Can two parallel lanes converge?

“Our new solution is a game changer for digital ecosystems. We aim to provide trusted market operations for crypto assets, ensuring transparency, security, and regulatory compliance for institutional clients in Europe. This enhances market integrity and security,” said Carlo Kölzer, head of FX and digital assets at Deutsche Börse.

“Crypto Finance, with its digital native capabilities in trading, settlement, and custody for crypto assets, will be a key part of the value chain. It is a first step towards realising Deutsche Börse’s ambition in the Horizon 2026 strategy to play a leading role in the digitalisation of asset classes.”

Last year, Deutsche Börse Group reaffirmed plans to create a digital asset platform within its Horizon 2026 strategy. In February, German regulator BaFin granted Crypto Finance (Deutschland) four licences which include regulated digital asset trading, settlement, and custody services in Germany.

This was another precondition to start the platform, which had already received a multilateral trading facility (MTF) licence.

“As a well-established Swiss company with a strong commitment to regulatory compliance and delivering top-tier financial solutions, we have further strengthened our position with the introduction of crypto finance in Germany as the settlement agent and custodian,” said Stijn Vander Straeten, chief executive of Crypto Finance.

“This marks a pivotal moment in our mission to cultivate a resilient and trusted digital asset ecosystem together with Deutsche Börse, while also strengthening Crypto Finance’s well-established and regulated custody and settlement offering in Germany.”