International marketplace organizer Deutsche Börse Group has announced the acquisition of a two-thirds majority stake in digital assets-focused fintech startup Crypto Finance AG, aiming to “extend its offering for digital assets by providing a direct entry point for investments.”
Describing the Crypto Finance team as “an ideal strategic fit,” Thomas Book, executive board member for trading and clearing at Deutsche Börse, said that the acquisition “will help us tremendously on our way to building a trusted and fully regulated digital asset ecosystem for institutional investors in Europe,” in a press release accompanying the announcement.
We are now the majority shareholder of @CryptoFinanceAG! Through the acquisition, we further extend our offering for digital assets by providing a direct entry point for investments, including post-trade services such as custody. Learn more: https://t.co/trpKqOPbGa pic.twitter.com/OOJDI31Wub
— Deutsche Börse Group (@DeutscheBoerse) June 29, 2021
According to the announcement published today, Deutsche Börse’s investment is in “a moderate three-digit CHF [Swiss Franc] million range.” Founded in 2017, Crypto Finance offers its institutional clients services such as trading, storage, and investments in cryptocurrencies.
What is Crypto Finance AG?
Crypto Finance AG is also regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and comprises a licensed securities firm that allows 24/7 trading and brokerage of over 200 cryptocurrencies.
“Together, we will enable thousands of financial institutions and professional investors in Europe to instantly enter this new asset class in a way they are familiar with,” added Jan Brzezek, CEO and founder of Crypto Finance AG.
Per the release, the acquisition will help Deutsche Börse to “further scale the business and expand the range of digital asset services” as well as make Crypto Finance’s services more easily accessible “for participants via its established platforms” to establish a neutral, transparent, and highly scalable digital asset ecosystem under European regulation.”
Currently, the deal is awaiting regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized in Q4. Following the acquisition, Crypto Finance’s existing investors will retain the remaining shares, including Brzezek, who will continue to lead and manage the company.
As Decrypt reported, Deutsche Börse has recently partnered with Commerzbank to create blockchain-based marketplaces for assets such as art and real estate.
