Bank Leumi, Israel’s largest bank, is preparing to enter the digital asset market, with customers expected to gain access to cryptocurrency trading through its banking platform in early 2027. The move would make it the first Israeli bank to offer digital asset trading directly to customers.
However, the bank’s announcement specifically names Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana among the initial assets. SHIB was not identified in the announcement, meaning its inclusion in the headline should be treated as unconfirmed based on the supplied sources.
Bank Leumi has partnered with Galaxy Digital to develop the infrastructure required for its digital asset offering. Customers of Leumi and its mobile banking division, PEPPER, will be able to buy, hold and sell selected cryptocurrencies through a dedicated section of the Leumi Trade capital markets application.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Digital will provide much of the technology supporting Leumi’s planned crypto operations. The bank will use GalaxyOne Institutional for trading and Galaxy’s Custody Infrastructure platform, previously known as GK8, for digital asset infrastructure.
The partnership brings together Leumi’s banking platform with institutional trading and custody technology. The bank said the initiative forms part of its broader innovation strategy and is intended to provide customers with a secure way to access digital assets.
 
Leumi’s move comes as cryptocurrency activity continues to develop across Israel. Data cited in the supplied material from Chainalysis shows that approximately $22 billion entered Israel through on-chain channels during the year ending June 2025.
Moreover, retail activity has also reportedly increased since October 2023, with actual volumes exceeding earlier forecasts by an average of 60.4%. That growing interest provides a potential customer base for Leumi’s planned service.
Notably, the bank has previously explored cryptocurrency services. In March 2022, its PEPPER Invest platform announced a partnership with Paxos to enable Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions, but the planned service did not proceed because it did not receive regulatory approval from the Bank of Israel.
Leumi’s planned launch could mark a significant step in integrating cryptocurrencies with Israel’s conventional financial system. Rather than requiring customers to move funds to a separate exchange, digital asset trading would be available within an established banking environment.
For Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, the development could broaden access among customers who prefer regulated financial institutions. Whether SHIB eventually joins the lineup remains unclear, according to the announcement.
That said, the planned early-2027 launch remains subject to regulatory and operational considerations. Galaxy has highlighted risks surrounding regulation, technology, cybersecurity, and other factors that could affect digital asset initiatives.
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