Deutsche Bank AG (DBK.DE) is preparing to activate its digital asset custody service for institutional clients within weeks, a move that positions Germany’s largest lender at the forefront of traditional finance’s push into blockchain-based infrastructure. The Frankfurt-based bank will initially safeguard major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ether, with plans to layer on stablecoin conversion, tokenized deposits, and digital securities issuance before expanding into Asian financial hubs by 2027.

Gerald Podobnik, co-head of Deutsche Bank’s corporate bank, disclosed the timeline during the IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok. He framed the initiative as part of a broader corporate banking strategy targeting 8% compound annual…