BaFin

BaFin supervises banks, insurers, and securities markets in Germany under a single integrated authority, operating within the broader European regulatory framework.

As the regulator of the EU's largest economy, its interpretations carry weight well beyond German borders.

German fintech companies typically require BaFin licensing, and the authority was comparatively early in creating a dedicated crypto custody licence.

For founders in the DACH region, BaFin authorisation timelines are a material planning consideration for any regulated product.