- Discovery Bank partners with Luno for in-app crypto trading.
- Bitcoin and Ethereum trading starts December 2025.
- Potential influence on South African financial institutions.
Discovery Bank, partnered with Luno, has launched South Africa’s first in-app cryptocurrency trading service. Users can trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly within the Discovery Bank app, focusing on ease of access and regulatory compliance.
Discovery Bank, in collaboration with Luno, unveiled a new feature allowing users to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum within the bank’s app.
This initiative marks a first for South African lenders, focusing on retail market impact. Discovery Bank is led by CEO Hylton Kallner, while Luno is helmed by Marcus Swanepoel and Timothy Stranex. The service, beginning in December 2025, aims for easy access to crypto trading with regulatory compliance emphasized.
Users may experience increased convenience and security as crypto trading becomes integrated into traditional banking platforms. This innovation is poised to potentially boost adoption rates, contributing to a dynamic shift in South Africa’s financial landscape.
“This partnership with Discovery Bank will revolutionize how South Africans access and trade cryptocurrencies,” said Marcus Swanepoel, CEO of Luno.
A broader market impact could include heightened competition among banks to provide similar services, while driving dialogue around regulation and market security.
Market Impact and Strategy
The launch strategy, by focusing initially on Bitcoin and Ethereum, is likely to attract both novice and seasoned investors. South Africa’s regulatory framework will play a significant role in shaping future developments in this sector.
Discovery Bank and Luno’s initiative sets a precedent in the South African market, leveraging historical trends where similar moves increased crypto adoption rates, improved exchange volume, and enhanced competitive banking products. This may encourage technological advancements and regulatory updates in the financial ecosystem.