European traditional banks are deploying on-chain finance: ABN AMRO obtains MiCAR license, and the first blockchain derivative transaction is implemented

2025-12-26 15:21:11

【Crypto World】Dutch veteran bank ABN AMRO is making new moves in the crypto asset space. Its German subsidiary Hauck Aufhäuser Digital Custody has just received authorization under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), allowing it to provide crypto asset custody and trading services to institutional clients under a unified regulatory framework. It will also gradually expand to other EU countries.

After MiCAR officially comes into effect on December 30, 2024, ABN AMRO becomes one of the first traditional financial institutions to obtain this license. This is not only a compliance breakthrough but also a significant step in opening the European financial system to digital assets.

More interestingly, ABN AMRO recently completed its first cross-border over-the-counter “Smart Derivative Contract” (SDC) transaction with DZ BANK. The entire 10-day cycle was run on blockchain technology, with settlement, valuation, and collateral management all automatically handled on-chain. The payment was settled via SEPA instant transfer, and data was directly fed back to the smart contract—this process reduced operational complexity for OTC derivatives trading and tightly controlled counterparty risk.

ABN AMRO also emphasized that their key to advancing digital assets and financial innovation in Europe is twofold: one, regulatory compliance must be in place; two, on-chain financial infrastructure must keep pace. The approach is clear—it’s not about skirting the rules but about innovating within the regulatory framework. Traditional financial institutions are really starting to take this seriously.

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SerumSquirrel

· 5h ago

Traditional finance has finally lowered its head and come on-chain, getting serious, brothers. ABN AMRO's move is considered correct; the MiCAR license is like opening a proper door for crypto in Europe. European institutional players are in luck; they can finally operate openly and legitimately. But to be honest, the real winners will be those projects that have already built the infrastructure long ago. Imagine the moment when established banks recognize crypto assets... it’s truly a bit crazy. This is real adoption, not just empty slogans.

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liquidation_watcher

· 12-27 16:40

Traditional big banks are also getting involved, now European on-chain finance is truly taking off. ABN AMRO started offering derivatives as soon as they got their license. Are institutional players about to enter? Wait, does the fact that they are among the first to get licensed mean there are still a bunch of banks waiting in line? Has MiCAR really changed anything, or is it just a regulatory makeover? Europe is seriously working on this, while some places are still imposing various restrictions...

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BlindBoxVictim

· 12-26 15:51

Traditional finance is coming to grab a share... But on the other hand, Europe is indeed quick. As soon as the regulatory framework was announced, established banks flocked in. It's just unclear whether institutional clients will really buy in, or if it's just another game of harvesting the leeks.

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ShitcoinConnoisseur

· 12-26 15:50

Traditional banks are also getting involved. Europe is going all in, issuing licenses for compliance routes so quickly?

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SignatureDenied

· 12-26 15:29

Traditional banks are really starting to take it seriously, Europe is moving quite quickly here. --- ABN AMRO has also entered the scene, indicating that institutional players are really optimistic about on-chain assets. --- After MiCAR came into effect, the first batch of licenses were issued. This pace is quite interesting; Europe is playing a big game. --- Wait, that part of the DZ article isn't complete... What's next? Want to see what new things ABN AMRO has been up to. --- Once the compliance framework is in place, traditional finance's entry is only a matter of time. It should have been like this a long time ago. --- It's a good thing that banks are getting involved, but there's also concern about being caught up in regulatory storms, so it's a bit complicated. --- The first batch of licenses—this status really sets them apart. Other banks should also start to sit up and take notice.

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NeonCollector

· 12-26 15:24

Traditional finance is entering the scene, Europe is really quick to act --- ABN AMRO is serious, institutions should be getting restless --- The gold content of the MiCAR license—those who got it first are making a killing --- Huh? Europe is opening up, why is Asia still hesitating --- Old banks also need to follow suit, what does that indicate --- Custody services are the real big deal, how's the data looking --- The EU is efficient; now it depends on how the subsequent implementation is carried out

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