DBS Bank Holding $650M in Ethereum: Nansen Flags Whale
2 min readA crypto wallet, reportedly connected to the global banking and financial services powerhouse DBS Bank, contains over 170,000 Ether, valued at close to $650 million. On May 30, blockchain analysis company Nansen identified an Ethereum “whale” as belonging to the Singapore-based banking institution. According to Nansen’s findings, DBS, one of the largest banks in Singapore, is behind the whale account. The analysis firm estimates that the wallet has already generated a profit of $200 million from holding Ether. Despite attempts to reach DBS Bank for comments, there has been no immediate response.
There is speculation that the Ether in the wallet might be linked to DBS Bank’s digital exchange, created for accredited investors. Some community members believe that the Ether holdings might represent investor assets rather than the bank’s proprietary assets. has also reached out to Nansen to understand their method of identification, but has yet to receive a reply.
Back in 2020, DBS Bank launched a crypto trading and custody service along with a platform for security token offerings. At the time, DBS Exchange made it clear that while the exchange would facilitate trading, it would not hold any crypto assets itself. Instead, it would offer custody services, ensuring all digital assets were safeguarded by DBS Bank’s renowned custodial services. The bank stated that it would support major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum Classic, and Ether.
Since its establishment, the digital asset division of DBS Bank has witnessed significant growth. In 2022, DBS recorded a four-fold increase in Bitcoin purchases on its digital exchange. The total number of trades in June 2022 had more than doubled compared to April the same year, highlighting a substantial surge in trading activity.
In the year 2023, DBS reported that its Bitcoin trading volume had risen by 80%, which the bank attributes to the multiple crypto collapses that occurred in 2022. These collapses seemingly drove more investors to reliable banking institutions like DBS for their crypto trading needs.
Another milestone for DBS Bank was the introduction of a digital yuan transaction tool in July 2023, which marked the bank’s first digital yuan transaction for corporate clients. This initiative reflects the bank’s broader strategy to stay ahead in the digital currency space and tap into emerging financial technologies.
Specifically, DBS Bank China, the Chinese arm of DBS Bank, launched an e-CNY merchant solution, facilitating businesses to accept payments using the central bank-issued digital currency. This new solution aims to support businesses in adapting to the growing acceptance and use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in transactions.
DBS Bank’s steady advancements in the cryptocurrency domain and the broader digital currency landscape signal its commitment to innovation and adaptation in a rapidly evolving financial world. The progress made by its digital exchange and other crypto-related services indicates a strategic move to integrate digital assets into traditional banking, catering to the growing demand for cryptocurrencies and related services.
I don’t trust any traditional banks, even big names like DBS, when it comes to handling crypto! Their past track record in fintech doesn’t inspire confidence.
DBS is setting a great example for other banks by integrating crypto!
Not buying it! Traditional banks like DBS suddenly becoming crypto experts seem like a quick cash grab rather than a genuine service.
This is what forward-thinking looks like. Way to innovate, DBS! 🔮🌟
DBS Bank is truly pioneering in both traditional and digital finance! 🏦🌟
Holding $650 million in Ether? Thats a lot of risk. What happens if something goes south? Will DBS just leave their investors hanging?
Very excited to see how DBS Bank continues to shape the future of finance! 📅🌏
Love seeing innovative banks like DBS embracing blockchain technologies.
The rise in Bitcoin trading volume at DBS is truly significant!
DBS Bank is entering the crypto market way too aggressively. Are they prepared for the potential market volatility and security risks? I doubt it!
DBS Bank’s progress in the cryptocurrency field is truly commendable. 🌟🚀
The lack of immediate response from DBS is concerning. Investors need transparency, and this just looks shady.
Keeping assets secure with DBSs renowned custodial services is a huge plus.
DBS Bank should stick to what they know. Their sudden dive into crypto just screams unpreparedness and possible mismanagement. 😤
It’s fascinating to see a traditional bank excel in the digital currency landscape. 🌍📈
Breaking news, or just another way for a bank to inflate their reputation using crypto buzzwords? I’m skeptical.
This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Mixing traditional banking with crypto? What could possibly go wrong? 😖
DBSs strategy to integrate digital assets is spot-on for the digital age.
Huge respect for DBS Bank for supporting major cryptocurrencies from the start! 🎉💎
DBS Bank’s commitment to safeguarding digital assets is reassuring.
DBS Bank is proving that crypto and traditional banking can coexist successfully!
Hats off to DBS for being so proactive in the crypto space. Absolutely inspiring!
Kudos to DBS Bank for their success in the digital asset market. Way to go!
Seriously? DBS Bank getting into crypto sounds like a conflict of interest. Their traditional banking methods won’t translate well into this decentralized space.
Wow! DBS Bank is really ahead of the game in the crypto world 🌐🚀
DBSs advances with CBDCs show they are truly at the forefront of financial innovation!
Continued success to DBS as they lead in the digital finance revolution.
Isn’t the point of crypto to break away from big banks and centralized control? What is DBS even doing in this space?
DBS’s initiatives show their commitment to staying ahead in the finance world.
I think Nansen needs to clarify their identification methods. If they cant even respond to inquiries, why should we trust their findings?
Impressed with DBS’s e-CNY solution for businesses. That’s future-ready banking!
The steady growth in crypto trading activity at DBS is very promising! 🌱📊
The strong performance of DBS Banks digital asset division is noteworthy!
It’s amazing to witness such rapid growth in DBS’s digital exchange. Impressive! 📈💹
The growth of DBSs digital exchange is a testament to their expert strategy.
million profit from holding Ether? Thats smart investing!