Israel's largest bank taps Galaxy to offer Bitcoin, Ether, Solana trading
Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, has partnered with Galaxy Digital to enable Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana trading through its Leumi Trade app, with launch expected in early 2027. The move makes Leumi the first Israeli bank to offer digital asset trading services.
Quick Take
Bank Leumi partners Galaxy Digital for crypto trading services.
Trading supports Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana via Leumi Trade app.
Launch expected early 2027, first Israeli bank to offer this.
Market Impact Analysis
BullishMajor bank entering crypto trading increases institutional legitimacy and could drive future demand, though actual service launch is over a year away.
Speculation Analysis
Key Takeaways
- Bank Leumi partners with Galaxy Digital to become the first Israeli bank offering crypto trading.
- Customers will trade Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana through the Leumi Trade app starting early 2027.
- Leumi uses GalaxyOne Institutional for execution and Galaxy's custody infrastructure (formerly GK8) for asset security.
- Galaxy posted an $85 million net loss but grew digital asset gross profit 34% to $66 million.
- The move boosts institutional legitimacy for crypto in Israel, potentially driving adoption.
What Happened
Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, has partnered with Galaxy Digital to introduce cryptocurrency trading for its customers. The service will allow users to buy, hold, and sell Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana directly through the Leumi Trade app. This makes Leumi the first Israeli bank to offer digital asset trading. The rollout targets early 2027 and will be available to both Leumi and its mobile banking arm Pepper customers. Galaxy will supply trading execution via GalaxyOne Institutional and custody through its infrastructure platform, previously GK8.
The Numbers
Galaxy Digital reported an $85 million net loss in Q2, driven by declining digital asset prices. Yet its digital assets business generated $66 million in adjusted gross profit, a 34% quarter-over-quarter increase. Bank Leumi serves millions of customers across retail and business operations. Trading will cover BTC, ETH, and SOL with service expected to go live in early 2027.
Why It Happened
Institutional adoption of digital assets continues to accelerate as traditional banks respond to client demand. Leumi's move signals a strategic shift in Israel, where banks have been cautious due to regulatory uncertainty. Galaxy Digital, despite its Q2 net loss, remains a leading provider of institutional crypto infrastructure. The partnership leverages Galaxy's trading and custody capabilities, enabling Leumi to enter the market without building in-house solutions.
Broader Impact
Leumi's entry could pressure other Israeli banks to follow suit, accelerating crypto integration in the country. The move also validates digital assets as a mainstream investment class for retail banking. By using Galaxy's regulated infrastructure, Leumi addresses compliance concerns, potentially serving as a blueprint for other traditional financial institutions in the Middle East.
What to Watch Next
- Regulatory approvals and the exact launch date as early 2027 approaches.
- Whether other Israeli banks announce similar crypto services in response to Leumi's move.
- Galaxy Digital's stock performance and its ability to sustain digital asset revenue growth.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Always late to trends?
Join for the latest news, insights & more.
Disclaimer: Bytewit is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data.
© 2026 Bytewit. All Rights Reserved. This article is for informational purposes only.
