Latest news with #DeutscheDigitalAssets
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Archax to Acquire Deutsche Digital Assets, Expanding Crypto ETP Reach in Europe
UK-based digital asset exchange Archax is set to acquire Deutsche Digital Assets (DDA), a regulated crypto asset manager in Germany, in a move that strengthens its footprint in Europe's two largest financial markets. DDA manages around $70 million in assets and specializes in crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) distributed through a network of European banks and asset managers. The deal gives Archax new licenses under Germany's BaFin, including permissions for portfolio management and investment advisory—key capabilities for serving institutional clients in the EU. This acquisition builds on Archax's 2023 purchase of Spanish broker KSCM. With the DDA deal, Archax now holds regulatory approvals in the UK, Germany, France and Spain, allowing it to operate across much of Europe's fragmented digital asset landscape. While the UK only recently opened the door to crypto ETPs for professional investors, Germany has had a head start. Archax now gains access to a market already accustomed to these products, along with the regulatory permissions to issue and distribute them. The timing may prove important as market demand for tokenized assets and regulated digital instruments grows amid geopolitical uncertainty. Archax also offers tokenized real-world assets—such as private equity or real estate—alongside its crypto offerings, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure. Archax CEO Graham Rodford said the deal positions his firm as one of the most comprehensively licensed digital asset firms in Europe. DDA managing partner Maximilian Lautenschläger described the move as a natural fit that opens new market channels on both sides of the channel. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Finextra
3 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Archax to buy Deutsche Digital Assets
UK based and regulated digital asset exchange, broker and custodian, Archax, is planning to further extend its regulated EU footprint by acquiring Deutsche Digital Assets (DDA), the Germany based digital asset manager. 0 This follows Archax's acquisition last year of Spanish broker KSCM, which was part of the firm's continued ambition to establish the EU and UK's most complete set of digital asset regulated structures, placing the firm in a unique position. DDA is a German-based asset manager with approximately $70 million AUM, offering crypto ETPs and a suite of institutional products. DDA also has extensive European distribution channels through its active network of European banks and asset managers. By acquiring DDA, which is licensed under BaFin, Archax extends its EU presence into Germany and France. Specifically, it allows Archax to add to its EU regulatory stack with the addition of Advisory, Distribution, Portfolio Management and Contract Brokerage permissions. This covers the full spectrum of regulated digital asset solutions across Europe and the UK from tokenised funds and securities to active crypto strategies. With the UK market opening up to crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs), per the FCA approving the first UK listings of crypto ETPs for professional investors earlier this year and, with so much global uncertainty potentially contributing too, the role of digital assets is swelling. With the acquisition of DDA, Archax believe they're uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive access to digital assets from native, on-chain crypto via their regulated exchange, to fully institutional-grade crypto ETPs tailored for professional investors. Alongside crypto, Archax also offers tokenised real-world assets (RWAs) - unlocking new efficiencies and investment opportunities through blockchain technology. This combination of native crypto, institutional ETPs, and tokenized RWAs, positions Archax as one of Europe's leading digital asset platforms. Graham Rodford, CEO and co-founder of Archax, comments: 'Archax is an ambitious business, and we believe that our regulatory structure is on the way to becoming one of the most extensive in the digital asset industry, and acquiring DDA furthers that ambition. Germany and France for example, two of the largest and most regulation-driven markets in Europe, are covered via DDA's existing structure and relationships. Hence, I'm delighted to see them joining our Archax family.' Maximilian Lautenschläger, Managing Partner at DDA said: 'We've known the team at Archax for several years and have always seen how complementary our strengths are. Joining their family creates incredible synergy: we bring deep access to institutional investors across Germany, France, and Switzerland who are actively looking for tokenised products. At the same time, Archax opens the door to the UK market, where crypto ETPs are now gaining momentum among professional and soon, retail investors. The timing couldn't be better. Together, we're building what we believe will become the leading European digital asset champion.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Deutsche Digital Assets expands into France
Deutsche Digital Assets (DDA), a European provider of digital asset investment solutions, has opened an office in Paris as part of its expansion strategy. The move reinforces the company's commitment to the French market, where demand for regulated crypto investment products continues to rise. DDA's crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) are already listed on Euronext Paris, offering local investors streamlined access to digital assets. With the office, the firm plans to introduce a broader range of investment solutions, including white-label products and tailored strategies. Moreover, the location will serve as a hub for DDA's expansion in France, allowing the firm to strengthen relationships with local investors and partners while enhancing its service offerings, and will be led by Romain Bensoussan, DDA's head of sales. In an exclusive interview with PBI, Bensoussan further emphasises the company's ambition to play a key role in the European crypto investment landscape. PBI: How does this Paris expansion align with DDA's broader European growth strategy? RB: The expansion into Paris is a key step in Deutsche Digital Assets European growth strategy, as France is one of the most significant financial hubs in Europe with more than 600 Asset Managers (500 located in Paris) and a growing market for ETP investments. This expansion is also a natural choice, as DDA will benefit from a well-established network of financial professionals in Paris, as the team there has worked in France for the biggest local traditional asset managers and crypto asset managers. Additionally, this move aligns with the company's goal to become a leader in crypto investment products in Europe, strengthening its presence in major European financial centres. PBI: What specific goals does DDA hope to achieve with its Paris office in the short and long term? RB: In the short term, DDA aims to strengthen its relationships with institutional investors, asset managers, private banks, and family offices in France and French speaking countries. In the medium and long term, the goal will be to provide differentiating and innovative investment products, compared to what is currently available in the market. The French ecosystem remains, as of today, very conservative when it comes to crypto investments. On the investors side, there is still a lack of knowledge on crypto assets leading to a small (or even non-existent) allocation to this new asset class. On the asset managers side, most of the products currently offered in the European market are passive single underlying products, exposing investors to the, sometimes, high volatility of the crypto market. This is the reason we launched the DDA Bitcoin Macro strategy, dynamically allocating between Bitcoin & USDC based on macroeconomic factors, aiming to reduce volatility and drawdowns over time. We believe that an allocation to crypto is becoming slowly but surely mandatory in every investor's portfolio, but it needs to be done in a smarter, active fashion, considering the volatility of the underlying. PBI: How does the regulatory environment in France support or challenge DDA's crypto investment offerings? RB: France has one of the most structured regulatory frameworks for digital assets in Europe, with the AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers) acting actively in the development of crypto-related financial services – the PSAN/CASP registrations have been active and structured for years, and we're starting to see some agreements being delivered. Additionally, the upcoming MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework will further harmonise regulations across Europe, creating new opportunities for cross-border expansion. PBI: Can you elaborate on the demand for crypto investment solutions in France and how DDA plans to address it? RB: We are witnessing a growing allocation to crypto investment solutions by both individuals and professional investors in France. As of today, the demand remains very binary: On the one hand, we are meeting investors deeply convinced that crypto assets are here to stay – and for some of them, convinced that it is on the path to replace the traditional monetary system. These investors are looking to allocate a larger portion of their portfolios to this asset class. On the other hand, we are also meeting very conservative investors – sometime curious, sometime hesitant – willing to get a small exposure, afraid of the historical volatility and drawdowns of this market. Our objective is to offer innovative and smarter investment products, designed to serve the needs of different investor profiles. PBI: What competitive advantage does DDA offer compared to other digital asset investment firms in the European market? RB: DDA differentiates itself through its expertise in innovative investment products, and a strong track record of managing digital assets strategies in a risk-conscious manner, similar to what traditional asset managers are usually doing. Our investment products have been awarded several times (Hedgeweek European Digital Assets 2023, Hedgeweek Global Digital Assets 2024 ….), and are considered among the best digital assets products available in the European market. In addition, DDA won the second place in the German Fintech Award for 2024 against 135 contenders. PBI: Are there any upcoming crypto ETPs or new investment products that DDA plans to introduce in France? RB: Of course! We are actively working on expanding our range of crypto investment products and are working closely with institutional allocators to design dedicated solutions fitting their needs. We have, for example, worked hand in hand with the first ever German pension fund to invest in crypto, to design a product adapted to their needs and compliance requirements. Although the ETF/ETP market is still small in France, we are observing some interesting developments in terms of products offering for both private and professional investors. An example could be the new wave of 'Brokerage' P.E.R (French saving plan) launched a couple of months ago, allowing investors to include Crypto ETPs in their allocation, a revolutionary move for a format formerly only dedicated to insurance companies. We are also monitoring carefully the evolution of the UCITS regulation in Europe – currently blocking any form of crypto investment within ETFs, hence making it impossible to include it in life insurances. But this situation could evolve quickly with a potential review of the UCITS eligibility rules. PBI: How does the Paris team plan to engage with local investors and partners? RB: The Paris team will focus on building strong relationships with local investors and partners by hosting educational workshops, investor roundtables, and networking events. By engaging directly with asset managers, private banks, and wealth management firms, DDA aims to integrate digital assets into the broader financial landscape in France. PBI: How does DDA tailor its crypto investment strategies to meet the unique needs of different investor groups? RB: At DDA, we understand that different investor groups have varying levels of risk tolerance, regulatory constraints, and strategic investments objectives. Our range of Exchange-Traded-Products has been designed to address most of the different investors' needs, from individual investors to professional allocators and distributors. DDA currently offers a range of passive investment products (with products offering exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a Top 10 basket) fitting the needs of investors looking for a simple, delta one exposure to the asset class. We also offer the first European Smart Beta Bitcoin ETP, replicating the DDA Bitcoin Macro Index, designed for investors looking for Bitcoin exposure while delivering superior risk adjusted returns, with a better Sharpe ratio. DDA also benefits from a strong expertise in designing customised products for professional investors, fitting their objectives in terms of investment universe, rebalancing frequency, and volatility target. Additionally, we also offer ETP White Label services, for companies willing to launch their own investment product using our structure and prospectus, ideal for a short time to market. PBI: What role does DDA's advisory service play in helping Family Offices, High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), and institutional investors navigate the crypto market? RB: Because of its comprehensive set of licences granted by the German regulator BaFin, DDA Advisory is allowed to provide the following services to institutional clients and retail clients: Investment Brokerage; Investment Advice; Contract Brokerage, and Financial Portfolio Management We offer investment services to both private and professional investors, looking for guidance in the, sometimes, complex world of crypto assets. The company provides market research, regulatory framework and risk assessment, to best help our clients make smart and informed decisions. DDA Advisory offers portfolio allocation advice, including digital assets should it be part of the investors' profile, into a broader investment strategy, with a strong focus on risk-control, ultimately delivering superior risk-adjusted returns. PBI: Are there plans for further expansion beyond France, and if so, which markets are being considered next? RB: We are indeed exploring further expansion beyond France as part of our broader European growth strategy. Our development strategy will be to focus on countries with a growing interest in ETFs and ETPs, as we believe that this format will soon take over traditional investment funds. Switzerland could be an option for further expansion, considering the country's appetite for digital assets investments, and innovative solutions. The Nordics have historically been pioneers in crypto adoption, with the very first Crypto ETP provider being based there. The UK market is also recognised as a hub for innovative investment strategies, although some strong barriers still exist. The FCA currently does not allow the distribution of crypto ETPs to retail investors, meaning all ETPs listed on LSE are only available to professional investors. PBI: How does DDA plan to educate and build trust with investors who may still be hesitant about crypto investments? RB: Trust and Education are the two pillars on which crypto asset managers need to build, to further increase the adoption of crypto assets. Through regular conversations and meetings with investors, we will make sure to maintain a full transparency on our investment strategies, providing performance explanations, clear risk disclosures, and ensuring full regulatory compliance. We understand that investing in crypto assets can be a huge step for most investors, and that's the reason why we want to guide them along the way, by publishing market analyses, research reports, and organise regular events, presentations, and workshops. By partnering with traditional asset managers, private banks, and wealth advisors, DDA aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and crypto assets, ultimately leading to a greater adoption of this asset class. "Deutsche Digital Assets expands into France" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
