Israel’s largest bank will enable customers to trade bitcoin, ether, and solana through its mobile app from early 2027, a move that marks a significant expansion of traditional banking services into the cryptocurrency sector. The offering, facilitated by Galaxy Digital’s platform, is expected to leverage the firm’s custody infrastructure, formerly operated under the GK8 brand.
Bank Leumi, in partnership with its mobile banking unit Pepper, will integrate crypto trading functionality into its Leumi Trade app, allowing users to buy, hold, and sell the three major cryptocurrencies. The service is anticipated to launch in early 2027, though commercial terms, fees, and eligibility criteria remain undisclosed.
Maya Ravia, head of strategy at Bank Leumi, described digital assets as “an increasingly integral part of the global financial system,” highlighting the bank’s strategic alignment with evolving market trends. Galaxy Israel’s CEO, Lior Lamesh, noted that early adopters among banks could “help define finance’s shift toward open, programmable infrastructure,” underscoring the broader implications of the move.
The collaboration with Galaxy Digital follows the firm’s rebranding of its institutional services under GalaxyOne Institutional, which has previously supported financial institutions through its custody and trading solutions. CoinDesk has sought further details from Bank Leumi, but no response has been received. The exact date of the Friday announcement remains unspecified.
Written by Rebecca Shaw
Industry Desk
