Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, is getting into crypto. The bank has partnered with Galaxy Digital to offer trading in Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana, with the service set to go live through the Leumi Trade app in early 2027.
A first for Israel's banking sector
The move marks a notable step for a major traditional financial institution in Israel. Bank Leumi is not a small player testing the waters; it's the country's biggest bank by assets. Offering direct crypto trading to its customers through its existing app signals a shift in how established banks are approaching digital assets.
Galaxy Digital, the crypto financial services firm led by Mike Novogratz, will be the partner providing the infrastructure. The arrangement means Leumi's customers won't have to leave the bank's ecosystem to buy or sell crypto. That's a convenience that could matter to a lot of people who've been hesitant to use dedicated exchanges.
Why these three assets
The choice of Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana is worth a closer look. Bitcoin and Ether are the two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap, so their inclusion is hardly a surprise. Solana, though, is a more selective pick. It's a faster, lower-cost network that has carved out a distinct identity from the Ethereum ecosystem, and its presence here suggests Leumi and Galaxy are thinking beyond the most obvious options.
For Galaxy Digital, the deal is another example of its push to work with traditional financial firms. The company has been building out its trading and asset management businesses, and partnerships like this one give it a direct line to retail customers through an established bank.
What the launch timeline looks like
The service is scheduled to launch in early 2027. That's still a ways off, and a lot can happen between now and then. Crypto prices are volatile, and regulatory attitudes can shift. But the timeline also gives both companies room to sort out the technical and compliance details that come with offering crypto trading through a bank app.
For now, the announcement is the story. Israel's largest bank is committing to crypto, and it's doing so with a well-known partner. The real test will come when the app goes live and customers start trading.
