Bank Leumi, Israel’s largest bank, is partnering with Galaxy to become the first bank in the country to offer digital asset trading, starting with Bitcoin and Ether. The move marks a notable step toward mainstream banking access to crypto in Israel.
What the Bank Leumi and Galaxy Partnership Will Offer
Bank Leumi has tapped Galaxy as its partner to launch digital asset trading, according to Galaxy’s newsroom announcement. The bank is positioned as the first in Israel to provide this service. For related coverage, see Bitcoin Reclaims $66,000 After Trump Hormuz Shipping Comment.
The initial offering covers Bitcoin and Ether, the two largest digital assets by market value. The significance lies not in a new standalone exchange, but in a major regulated bank enabling crypto trading access for its customers. For related coverage, see Tether Big Four Audit Shows Reserves Exceeded Liabilities by $6.8B.
Reuters reported the same arrangement, noting Bank Leumi’s role as the first bank in Israel to offer digital asset trading through the Galaxy partnership, per reporting carried on TradingView. For related coverage, see ShipMonk Breach Exposed Data on 13,689 Trezor Buyers.
Why the Move Matters for Crypto Adoption in Israel
A country’s largest bank entering digital asset trading signals growing institutional comfort with crypto services. Distribution through an established bank can lend credibility and reach that crypto-native platforms often lack.
Bank-based access may also lower barriers for mainstream users who prefer to hold and trade through an institution they already bank with. The step follows other signs of Israeli engagement with digital assets, including the country’s approval of the BILS shekel-pegged stablecoin after a pilot phase.
Starting with Bitcoin and Ether points to large-cap digital assets as the entry point. The choice reflects a preference for the most liquid and widely recognized tokens as banks test demand.
What Users and the Market Will Watch Next
Customer interest will center on how access and usability are delivered once trading goes live. The rollout details, beyond the confirmed Bitcoin and Ether support, remain a key follow-up point, according to the partnership announcement.
Institutional partnerships of this kind can act as a template for peers. Other financial institutions in Israel and elsewhere may weigh similar arrangements if the Bank Leumi launch draws demand, a pattern seen as banks like Goldman Sachs expand crypto-linked offerings.
Whether the service expands beyond its first two supported assets is a natural watch item rather than a confirmed outcome. For now, the confirmed scope is Bank Leumi offering Bitcoin and Ether trading through Galaxy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
