Deutsche Börse has taken majority ownership of Crypto Finance, the provider of digital asset trading, custody and investment services.
The acquisition of a majority stake in the fintech, which is headquartered in Switzerland with a regional presence in Singapore, was signed in June and completed on 15 December 2021.
The deal will enable Crypto Finance, as part of Deutsche Börse, to access the German market infrastructure company’s network and will provide the backing of its strong capital base to drive further growth of the Crypto Finance team.
This will also intensify Crypto’s efforts to build its customer base, with a focus on Germany and Singapore.
With the purchase, Deutsche Börse indicates that it will be able to provide customers and service partners with direct access to digital asset services, including post-trade services.
Deutsche Börse’s head of cash market Eric Leupold says: “Thanks to Crypto Finance’s proven expertise and the technologies they have developed, we can now enable financial institutions and professional investors to enter the digital asset market. This is a step further in our digital asset strategy.”
Crypto Finance CEO and co-founder Jan Brzezek adds: “Established financial institutions increasingly want to start investing in digital assets and are looking for a trustworthy partner.
“With its reputation and broad expertise in operating financial market infrastructure, Deutsche Börse garners this trust.”
Brzezek will remain as Crypto Finance’s chief executive and its current management team will continue to lead the business, retaining a significant ownership stake in the company.
In a joint statement, Deutsche Börse and Crypto Finance say that the company will continue to operate as an independent brand with a focus on banks, asset managers, fintech and other financial intermediaries.
Eric Leupold has taken over as chair of Crypto Finance’s board of directors, a role vacated by Dr Tobias Reichmuth when he stepped down on 15 December.
