DZ Bank, Germany’s third-largest bank, hopes to launch a pilot phase of Bitcoin retail transactions this year

Souad Benkredda, who is responsible for capital market operations on the board of directors of DZ Bank, Germany’s third largest bank, said that this year DZ Bank will conduct a pilot phase of cryptocurrency retail transactions with the first batch of partner banks, which means that major banks will test Bitcoin transactions with customers. Contrary to original plans, DZ Bank will not be implementing it in partnership with DWP Bank. Benkredda would not say which new partner DZ Bank will now work with on the project. Benkredda said the trading opportunity lies in self-determination without the bank's advice. DZ Bank wants to offer trading in not just one cryptocurrency, but multiple cryptocurrencies. She added that there is huge demand among partner banks, with one out of every two banks willing to offer the solution to customers according to one study, but in the end each institution makes its decision independently. (Bloomberg)