Spanish banking giant Bankimter acquires stake in Bit2Me

Bankinter's latest agreement

In a significant move signaling the continued widespread acceptance of cryptocurrencies in Europe, Spanish banking group Bankinter has acquired a minority stake in Bit2Me, one of Spain's leading regulated cryptocurrency exchanges and fintech platforms. The transaction, announced on January 14, 2026, marks Bankinter's largest direct investment in the digital asset sector and strengthens its position as one of the most cryptocurrency-friendly traditional banks in the Eurozone.

Although the exact size of the stake and financial terms were not disclosed, sources familiar with the matter said Bankinter acquired between 5% and 10% of Bit2Me, valuing the exchange at around €150-200 million after raising capital based on recent funding rounds and growth indicators.

Strategy from Bankinter

European banks are operating in an increasingly clear regulatory environment, particularly with the implementation of MiCA, the law that provides legal certainty for cryptocurrency service providers. This clarity reduces reputational and compliance risks, making minority investments more attractive.

For Bankinter, acquiring a stake in Bit2Me offers access to cryptocurrency technology and talent, deep insights into the cryptocurrency needs of individual and institutional clients, future product collaboration options, and a hedge against the potential for fintech's decentralization.

Bit2Me is one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in Spain, with a strong local brand and a reliable history of legal compliance. Its focus on compliance, education, and onboarding processes has helped it operate within Europe's increasingly stringent legal framework.

Banks revert to a cautious approach.

Following the 2022-2023 recession, many banks paused their cryptocurrency ambitions. However, recent developments—spot cryptocurrency ETFs, stablecoin regulation, and institutional acceptance—are bringing banks back into the picture.

Bankinter's move shows that cryptocurrencies are returning to board discussions, not as speculative trading, but as infrastructure for custody, payments, tokenization, and access to digital assets for customers. Importantly, banks are returning under their own conditions: regulated, incremental, and partnership-based.

Our review

Bankinter's minority investment in Bit2Me is the latest example of how traditional European banks are moving from a cautious experimental phase to a strategic entry into the digital asset sector. By holding a stake in a fully regulated and MiCA-compliant Spanish exchange, Bankinter secures a leading position in the burgeoning cryptocurrency landscape while maintaining a controlled level of risk.

For Bit2Me, this deal brings capital, prestige, and deeper institutional relationships—key advantages as the platform scales across retail, institutional, and B2B segments in a post-MiCA European landscape. The transaction underscores a clear trend: regulated and compliant cryptocurrency platforms in Europe are becoming increasingly attractive to traditional financial institutions seeking investment opportunities without having to build everything from scratch.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the field of cryptocurrency. This is not financial or investment advice. All investment decisions should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official stance of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with experts before making any investment decisions.

Compiled and analyzed by HCCVenture

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