21 Bitcoin operator FIOR Digital GmbH announced on October 20, 2025 that it has launched Europe’s first pilot project in collaboration with Volksbank Raiffeisenbank Bayern Mitte eG and Sopra Financial Technology GmbH to develop a white-label solution for compliant Bitcoin-backed lending.
The consortium will conduct pilots from Salzburg and partner bank sites, combining 21bitcoin’s custody and user experience capabilities with VR Bank Bayern Mitte’s retail banking experience and Sopra’s integrated technology.
The initiative aims to open access to new liquidity while preserving potential price appreciation and tax benefits by allowing customers to use Bitcoin as collateral without selling it. 21bitcoin reports approximately 100,000 customers and approximately 500 million transaction volumes in Europe. 21bitcoin CEO Daniel Winkramer said, “Our goal is to make Bitcoin accessible and usable to everyone,” and the product will comply with regulatory requirements, including the Markets in Cryptocurrency Regulation (MiCAR), where applicable.
Frequently asked questions 🧭
• Where are the pilots based? — Salzburg, Austria. Implemented across all participating German banking locations.
• Who is your partner? — FIOR Digital/21bitcoin, Volksbank Raiffeisenbank Bayern Mitte eG, and Sopra Financial Technology GmbH.
• What does the product do? — Enables Bitcoin-backed loans, allowing customers to hold BTC while accessing liquidity.
• Are you compliant with regulations? — This pilot is designed to meet EU regulations, including the Crypto Asset Market Regulation (MiCAR), where applicable.