Basler Kantonalbank, a Swiss cantonal bank, has launched custody and trading services for Bitcoin and Ethereum. The offering is integrated with the bank's existing e-banking platform and enabled through a partnership with Sygnum Bank, a regulated digital asset bank. The move brings crypto services directly to a traditional banking clientele.
How the service works
Clients of Basler Kantonalbank can now buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through their existing e-banking interface. The custody and trading infrastructure is provided by Sygnum, which holds a Swiss banking license and operates under the supervision of FINMA. The integration with Avaloq, the bank's core banking system, allows for seamless settlement and reporting.
A shift for traditional banking
Swiss cantonal banks have historically been conservative, but several have moved into digital assets over the past year. Basler Kantonalbank's decision to offer crypto services through its standard e-banking platform — rather than a separate app or subsidiary — signals a deeper integration of crypto into mainstream finance. The bank is not the first cantonal bank to do this, but it is one of the larger ones by assets under management.
What's available now
For now, the service covers only Bitcoin and Ethereum. The bank has not announced plans to add other cryptocurrencies. Trading is available to both retail and institutional clients, though the bank has not disclosed minimum investment amounts or fee structures. The service went live this week.
What comes next
Basler Kantonalbank has not said whether it will expand the offering to other digital assets or add features like staking or lending. The partnership with Sygnum leaves the door open for future products, but no timeline has been given. For now, the focus is on getting the current service running smoothly for its existing customer base.
