Israel's Largest Bank to Launch Bitcoin Trading

Bank Leumi, one of Israel's largest financial institutions, has partnered with Galaxy Digital to allow its customers and users of its mobile platform, PEPPER, to trade cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. This new service is expected to be integrated into the Leumi Trade app and is set to launch in early 2027.

The collaboration will leverage Galaxy Digital's technology, specifically the GalaxyOne institutional platform and the Custody Infrastructure service, previously known as GK8, for secure transactions.

“This initiative is a key part of our innovation strategy,” said Maya Ravia, a senior executive at Bank Leumi. She emphasized that the service will offer clients a simple and secure way to access digital assets through a regulated framework.

Ravia highlighted the growing importance of cryptocurrencies in the global financial landscape, affirming the bank's commitment to facilitating client engagement with these assets under a compliant banking structure.

Bank Leumi had previously sought to enter the retail crypto market in March 2022 by partnering with Paxos to allow Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions through its Pepper Invest platform. However, this initiative did not materialize as expected.

Recent data from Chainalysis indicated that approximately $22 billion entered Israel through on-chain channels in the year leading up to June 2025, with a notable year-over-year growth of 33% in the MENA region. Analysts have observed a consistent uptick in retail crypto activity in Israel since October 2023, with trading volumes surpassing forecasts by an average of 60.4%.

Additionally, in April 2026, Israel’s Capital Markets Authority granted a license for a stablecoin pegged to the shekel, issued by Bits of Gold, marking further advancements in the country's cryptocurrency ecosystem.