In recent years, crypto custody has emerged as a critical component in the digital asset ecosystem. With the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies, security tokens, stablecoins, and blockchain-based assets, secure and compliant storage solutions are more important than ever. As institutional interest rises, so does the demand for professional-grade custody services—especially in highly regulated markets like the European Union.
The EU has taken a proactive stance on digital asset regulation, with countries like Germany, Malta, and Estonia leading the way in establishing clear legal frameworks. This regulatory clarity has fostered the growth of robust, compliant custody providers across Europe. In contrast to more passive regulatory environments, such as in parts of the U.S., the EU’s structured approach ensures that crypto custodians meet high standards in security, compliance, scalability, and usability.
This article explores five leading European crypto custody providers that have proven their reliability and technological maturity over the past several years. These platforms are headquartered in Europe and cater specifically to the needs of EU-based institutions, fintechs, and blockchain projects.
Key Criteria for Evaluating Crypto Custodians
Before diving into individual providers, it's essential to understand the core factors that define a top-tier crypto custody solution:
- Regulatory Compliance: Must align with local and EU-wide financial regulations (e.g., MiCA, BaFin licensing).
- Security Architecture: Use of HSM (Hardware Security Modules), MPC (Multi-Party Computation), and cold storage.
- Scalability & Integration: API-first design, support for multiple blockchains, and seamless integration into existing systems.
- White-Label Capabilities: Ability to offer branded solutions for banks and fintechs.
- Target Market Focus: Whether serving B2B, B2C, gaming, or financial institutions.
1. Metaco – Enterprise-Grade On-Premise Custody
Based in Switzerland—a global fintech hub—Metaco has been a pioneer in institutional crypto custody since 2015. It specializes in on-premise custody solutions tailored for large global banks and financial institutions. Unlike cloud-based platforms, Metaco’s infrastructure is deployed directly within a client’s data center, offering full control over assets and compliance with strict internal policies.
Backed by Avaloq, a renowned provider of core banking systems, Metaco combines deep financial sector expertise with advanced cryptographic security. Its platform supports both HSM and MPC technologies, ensuring keys are never exposed while enabling flexible access controls.
👉 Discover how enterprise-grade custody can secure your digital assets at scale.
Advantages:
- Long-standing market presence since 2015
- Trusted by major international banks
- Strong integration with traditional finance via Avaloq
- Full on-premise deployment for maximum control
Disadvantages:
- Limited regulatory licensing (technology-focused only)
- Hybrid IP model combining proprietary and third-party components
- Less flexibility for smaller or non-bank clients
Metaco is ideal for institutions prioritizing control, security, and integration with legacy banking infrastructure.
2. Solaris Digital Assets – Full-Service Banking Meets Crypto
Solaris Bank, headquartered in Berlin, is one of Germany’s most prominent neobanks and a leader in white-label financial services. Through its subsidiary Solaris Digital Assets, it extends its offerings into crypto custody, leveraging its full German banking license to provide regulated services.
Solaris takes a full-service approach, bundling crypto custody with other financial tools such as payment processing, card issuance, and core banking APIs. This makes it particularly attractive for fintechs looking to launch end-to-end digital asset products without building everything from scratch.
Advantages:
- Fully licensed German bank backing the service
- Comprehensive white-label solutions
- Integrated financial product suite beyond custody
- Strong reputation in the German and EU fintech space
Disadvantages:
- Not blockchain-native; crypto is an add-on to broader banking services
- Integration between crypto and traditional finance features still evolving
- Primarily focused on bank and fintech partners—not retail users
Solaris Digital Assets excels as a one-stop shop for companies seeking regulated financial infrastructure with embedded crypto capabilities.
3. Finoa – The All-in-One Digital Asset Platform
Finoa, founded in Germany in 2018, aims to be the “bank for digital assets.” It began as a B2C cold wallet provider but has since expanded into B2B services, offering an integrated platform where users can store, trade, stake, and manage multiple cryptocurrencies across various blockchains.
Finoa provides a user-friendly online interface similar to a digital bank, supporting popular tokens including ERC-20s and stablecoins like Tether. Notably, it includes built-in exchange functionality and staking options—features that enhance utility beyond basic custody.
👉 Explore platforms that combine custody with trading and staking in one ecosystem.
Advantages:
- Unified platform for custody, trading, and staking
- Broad token and blockchain support
- Actively pursuing BaFin crypto custody license
- Smooth user experience for both retail and institutional clients
Disadvantages:
- Not a white-label solution—branding is Finoa-centric
- API functionality remains limited compared to competitors
- Targets both B2C and B2B, which may dilute specialization
- Technical architecture details not fully disclosed
Finoa is best suited for users seeking a feature-rich, self-service platform with minimal development overhead.
4. Arkane Network – Gaming & NFT-Focused Custody
Based in Belgium, Arkane Network stands out by targeting niche but rapidly growing sectors: gaming and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It supports nine blockchains, including gaming-oriented ones like Tron and GoChain, making it ideal for game developers and NFT marketplaces.
One of Arkane’s unique features is its ability to integrate with non-custodial wallets like MetaMask. This hybrid model allows users to maintain control over their private keys while still benefiting from Arkane’s security infrastructure when needed.
Advantages:
- Native support for NFTs and gaming blockchains
- Seamless MetaMask integration
- Ready-to-use SDKs for developers
- Flexible B2B and B2C use cases
Disadvantages:
- Broad focus may reduce depth in financial-grade custody
- Lacks specific regulatory approval for German or EU banking compliance
- Decentralized approach may not meet strict institutional requirements
Arkane fills a crucial gap for Web3 projects requiring easy-to-integrate custody solutions with strong NFT support.
5. Tangany – API-First White-Label Custody for Institutions
Tangany, based in Munich, Germany, launched in 2018 and has established itself as a leading white-label custody provider for B2B clients. It offers both warm (hot) and cold wallet solutions via API, enabling fintechs, banks, and exchanges to embed secure custody directly into their platforms.
Built on Microsoft Azure with a formal partnership in place, Tangany ensures high availability, scalability, and enterprise-grade security. The platform supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, and universal smart contract interactions—including innovative features like the Ethereum Gas Tank for gasless transactions.
Tangany is also actively applying for a German crypto custody license under BaFin supervision and has received recognition such as the FinTech Germany Award 2020.
Advantages:
- True 100% white-label solution with customizable frontend
- Dual warm and cold wallet options
- Robust API-first architecture
- Regulatory engagement through industry leadership (Bundesblock e.V.)
- High visibility in European media and institutional circles
Disadvantages:
- Narrow focus—only offers custody (no exchange or banking services)
- Limited to Bitcoin and Ethereum ecosystems
- Primarily targets three verticals: finance, tokenization, crypto markets
- Requires technical expertise due to API-centric model
Tangany is ideal for developers and institutions building custom digital asset solutions requiring full branding control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is crypto custody?
A: Crypto custody refers to secure storage solutions for digital assets like cryptocurrencies and tokens. These services protect private keys and ensure assets can be safely accessed, transferred, and managed—especially important for institutions.
Q: Why choose a European custodian?
A: EU-based providers operate under stricter regulatory frameworks (e.g., MiCA), offering greater legal clarity, consumer protection, and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) standards.
Q: Are all these providers regulated?
A: While all adhere to general financial regulations, only some hold specific crypto custody licenses. Finoa and Tangany are in the process of obtaining BaFin approval; Solaris benefits from its full banking license.
Q: Can I integrate a custodian into my own app?
A: Yes—especially with API-driven platforms like Tangany and Arkane Network, which offer white-label or embeddable solutions for seamless integration.
Q: Do any support NFTs?
A: Arkane Network is the only one explicitly supporting NFTs across multiple blockchains. Others focus primarily on fungible tokens.
Q: Which is best for enterprise use?
A: Metaco leads in enterprise on-premise solutions, while Tangany offers superior API flexibility for custom integrations.
👉 Compare top EU custody platforms and find the right fit for your project today.