CoinDesk
Israel's largest bank, Bank Leumi, will let customers and users of its Pepper mobile banking unit buy, hold and sell Bitcoin, Ether and Solana through the Leumi Trade app from early 2027. Galaxy Digital will provide the trading and custody infrastructure through GalaxyOne Institutional, using custody technology formerly known as GK8. The planned service would make Leumi the first Israeli bank to offer digital-asset trading directly to customers.
Why it matters
The deal moves crypto access into a major bank's existing investment interface instead of leaving customers to standalone exchanges. Leumi is betting clients will favor a regulated banking platform over standalone crypto exchanges, while Galaxy gains a banking partner in Israel. The arrangement places Leumi among a growing group of financial institutions bringing crypto access inside customer platforms.
Maya Ravia, Leumi's head of strategy, described digital assets as increasingly integral to the global financial system. Galaxy Israel CEO Lior Lamesh said early movers among banks would help define finance's shift toward open, programmable infrastructure.
Market impact
The initial asset set is specific: Bitcoin, Ether and Solana, with customers able to buy, hold and sell them through Leumi Trade. The rollout is planned for early 2027, so the announcement is an adoption signal rather than an immediate flow event.
Bank Leumi and Galaxy have not disclosed commercial terms, fees or customer eligibility requirements. Those details will shape the service's reach when it goes live, while the launch itself will show whether bank-native crypto access can draw more customers into regulated digital-asset markets in Israel.
Frequently asked questions
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When is Bank Leumi expected to launch its crypto trading service?
The service is expected to launch in early 2027.
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Which Leumi banking channels will give customers access to the service?
Bank Leumi customers and users of its mobile banking unit, Pepper, will access the service through the Leumi Trade app.
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What infrastructure will Galaxy Digital provide for the rollout?
Galaxy Digital will provide trading and custody infrastructure through GalaxyOne Institutional. Leumi will use Galaxy's custody infrastructure, formerly known as GK8.
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Why would the launch matter for Israel's banking sector?
It would make Bank Leumi the first Israeli bank to offer digital-asset trading directly to customers, bringing access into a bank's investment interface.
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Which customer terms remain undisclosed?
Bank Leumi and Galaxy have not disclosed commercial terms, fees or customer eligibility requirements.
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