Discovery Bank has partnered with cryptocurrency exchange Luno to integrate crypto trading directly into the bank’s mobile application.
Seamless crypto trading integrated into banking
Discovery Bank has collaborated with cryptocurrency exchange Luno to integrate crypto trading into the bank’s mobile application. The move, which Discovery Bank CEO Hilton Calner calls a response to the maturation of cryptocurrencies into an accessible mainstream asset class, makes Discovery Bank the first major South African financial services company to offer this service.
According to a report by Mybroadband, starting in December 2025, Discovery Bank customers will be able to link their accounts to Luno to seamlessly trade crypto assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. This integration is said to deliver significant benefits focused on reducing friction and improving user experience.
Through this collaboration, users will be able to track their crypto balances and transactions in real-time alongside their traditional bank and investment accounts. Users can also transfer funds instantly between their bank account and Luno wallet without any fees. Additionally, this partnership will allow users to trade over 50 cryptoassets. Discovery Bank customers can also earn Vitality Money Savings points based on the crypto balance held in their Luno wallet.
A “clear signal” to the financial world
Mr. Karner pointed out that it has been widely adopted in the country and emphasized the need for integration.
“The world of finance is rapidly evolving and crypto assets have matured into an accessible mainstream asset class. Our customers, and South Africans more generally, are already participating in this market, with one in 10 holding crypto assets.”
Luno CEO James Lanigan echoed this sentiment, saying the solution is the first in Africa to integrate digital asset investments directly into major mobile banking platforms.
“This partnership is a clear signal that cryptocurrencies have moved from a niche investment option to a mainstream investment option for those looking to diversify their investment portfolios with digital assets,” Lanigan said.
The partnership leverages Luno’s security framework and experience serving more than 15 million customers worldwide to ensure new products comply with local regulations in South Africa and provide the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Broader digital platform enhancements
Meanwhile, in addition to the Luno integration, Discovery Bank also announced TRUST Alert, a new fraud prevention system that uses real-time analytics and personal pattern data to provide intelligent risk warnings on transactions. We also announced new reward partnerships, including earning up to 50% back in Discovery Miles with your DStv subscription.
This move firmly establishes Discovery Bank at the forefront of combining traditional financial services with digital assets in the region.
read more: South African Exchange Luno leverages Fireblocks’ enterprise-grade digital asset platform
Frequently asked questions 💡
- What are Discovery Bank’s new crypto features? This will allow customers to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 50 other assets directly on the bank’s mobile app.
- When will the service launch in South Africa? Starting in December 2025, users will be able to link their accounts to Luno for seamless crypto trading.
- How will my clients benefit from the integration? Track your balances, transfer funds instantly with no fees, and earn Vitality Money points.
- Why is this partnership important regionally? This will be the first major South African bank to integrate crypto trading into mainstream banking.
