Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, will let customers trade Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana through its investment app starting in early 2027. The move makes it one of the first major traditional banks in the country to offer direct crypto exposure to retail clients. It's a notable shift for a financial institution that has historically played it safe with digital assets.
A major bank steps in
Bank Leumi isn't a small player testing the waters. It's the biggest bank in Israel, with a customer base that spans retail, business, and private banking. Adding crypto trading to its existing investment app means millions of users will have access to the three largest digital assets without leaving their primary bank. That's a convenience that dedicated crypto exchanges have struggled to match.
The bank hasn't said which specific services will accompany the trading, but the inclusion of Solana alongside Bitcoin and Ether suggests a broader appetite for crypto than just the two biggest names. The rollout is slated for early 2027, giving the bank time to finalize regulatory and compliance details.
What the app will offer
Customers will be able to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana directly through the app. The bank hasn't detailed fees, custody arrangements, or whether withdrawals to external wallets will be supported. Those are the kinds of details that will matter to crypto users who want more than just a buy-and-hold button.
The choice of assets is worth noting. Bitcoin and Ether are the obvious picks, but Solana's inclusion signals that Bank Leumi is paying attention to the broader ecosystem, not just the blue chips. It also suggests the bank is comfortable with the risk profile of a faster, higher-volatility network.
Banks have been cautious about crypto for years, and Israel is no exception. Regulatory clarity has been slow to develop, and many institutions have preferred to watch from the sidelines. Bank Leumi's move could push competitors to respond, especially if customer demand is strong.
The timing also matters. Early 2027 is close enough that the bank is clearly in execution mode, not just exploring. That's a concrete commitment, and it puts pressure on other Israeli banks to clarify their own positions on digital assets.
The rollout will be worth watching for how it handles the basics: onboarding, security, and whether customers can actually move their coins off the platform. Those details will determine whether this is a genuine crypto offering or just a walled-garden feature.
