The banks that are helping cryptocurrencies thrive in Europe include Falcon Bank and Vontobel, both swiss based. They are joined by Germany’s Fidor Bank and Liechtenstein’s Bank Frick in providing such services.
It’s interesting how currently the banking system is fractured. Due to their volatility, many major banks have opposed cryptocurrencies purchases and this is something that has been expected. Add the fact that they offer a direct threat to the existence of these institutions and you see why these large banks are not big fans of cryptos.
Speaking with the financial times, Edi Wögerer, chief executive of Bank Frick said;
“There are risks involved but there are also really big opportunities, we know what to do from a security perspective, so this is a big opportunity for banks like us.”
I believe Kraken uses Fidor bank which has also opened a branch in the UK. Here is some more info about Fidor in the UK:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/banking/2015/09/challenger-bank-fidor-launches-in-the-uk-today-but-how-good-is-it
We should support these banks by opening accounts in them (which will also mean that it's unlikely that your account will get closed due to receiving money from an exchange).
Does anyone know of other crypto-friendly banks around the world?