Spain’s Cecabank launches MiCA-regulated crypto custody platform

Cecabank has launched a regulated cryptocurrency custody and trading infrastructure for financial institutions, bringing Renta 4 Banco onto the platform and extending its crypto-asset services under the European Union’s MiCA framework.

According to a Jun. 11 announcement from Cecabank, the Spanish banking group has moved its crypto-asset service project into production after securing authorization to provide crypto-asset custody, transfers, and reception and transmission of orders (RTO). 

The rollout comes a year after the bank and crypto exchange Bit2Me revealed plans for a MiCA-ready platform for financial institutions that was awaiting regulatory approval.

Under the arrangement, Cecabank provides the technological infrastructure and institutional custody of crypto-assets, while Bit2Me handles trade execution, liquidity, market access, and the exchange layer. Renta 4 Banco is using the infrastructure as it develops its own crypto trading offering for clients.

Built through a strategic partnership established in May 2024, the platform combines Cecabank’s securities services and compliance capabilities with Bit2Me’s digital asset technology. The companies said the setup allows financial institutions to access cryptocurrency services through an operational framework already aligned with regulatory requirements.

Cecabank expands crypto services after securing MiCA approval

Recent regulatory approvals have played a central role in the project’s deployment. Cecabank said its crypto-asset license permits the bank to provide custody, transfers, and RTO services, enabling it to operate under the European Union’s new Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation.

Beyond obtaining MiCA authorization from Spain’s securities regulator, the CNMV, in July 2025, the bank said it is also registered with the Bank of Spain as a crypto-asset service provider. Cecabank added that it has started the European passporting process to extend its crypto services into Ireland, Portugal, and Luxembourg.

Initially, the bank plans to offer major cryptocurrencies and stablecoins designed to comply with European regulatory standards.

“As a benchmark provider of custody services in the traditional space, at Cecabank we are taking a natural step by transferring our experience and our standards to the world of digital assets,” Aurora Cuadros, Corporate Director of Securities Services at Cecabank, said. 

Cuadros added that the model allows institutions such as Renta 4 Banco to introduce cryptocurrency trading services to clients through a regulated end-to-end framework.

For Bit2Me, the launch represents another step in integrating digital assets into traditional banking systems. 

“Activating the service with Cecabank and Renta 4 Banco is another step in consolidating the model we have been building: institutional-grade crypto infrastructure, integrated into traditional banking workflows and under the MiCA framework,” Gabriel Ayala, Director of Banking Solutions at Bit2Me, added.

Elsewhere in Spain’s banking sector, crypto services have continued to gain traction. As previously reported by crypto.news, BBVA planned to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody to customers through infrastructure managed directly by the bank rather than through external providers.