KBC Bank to Launch Bitcoin and Ether Trading in Belgium Under MiCA

KBC Bank, Belgium’s second-largest bank, has announced it will begin offering Bitcoin and Ether trading services to retail customers via its Bolero investment platform. The service is set to launch the week of February 16, 2026, and will operate under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. The bank said it has submitted a full notification to act as a crypto asset service provider, positioning it as the first Belgian bank to comply with MiCA. KBC emphasized that this move allows self-directed investors to access cryptocurrencies within a secure, regulated environment according to the bank’s announcement.

The decision follows Belgium’s recent adoption of national laws implementing MiCA, which became legally effective in January 2026. The implementing law designated the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) and the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) for oversight as per the regulatory framework. Despite KBC claiming compliance, no MiCA licenses have yet been issued in Belgium, according to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) public register.

KBC plans to offer a seamless trading experience through its Bolero platform, which already serves 4 million users. The bank will provide a custodial solution for clients, with assets held within a closed-loop system to mitigate fraud and money laundering risks.

Why Did This Happen?

KBC cited innovation and regulatory responsibility as key drivers for the move. By offering crypto trading in a regulated framework, the bank aims to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market as reported by industry analysts. The bank’s Chief Innovation Officer, Erik Luts, emphasized its commitment to making innovation accessible to customers according to the bank's statement.

The decision aligns with broader European trends in crypto adoption. Germany’s DZ Bank, for example, recently launched MiCA-compliant crypto trading services under its meinKrypto platform according to industry reports. This indicates a growing acceptance of digital assets by major European institutions, especially as MiCA’s regulatory clarity supports mainstream adoption as analysts have noted.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Regulatory progress remains a key focus. While KBC has submitted its CASP notification, no MiCA licenses have yet been issued in Belgium. The absence of a centralized supervisory authority for MiCA-compliant firms is another point of debate within the EU according to regulatory experts. Some member states, such as France, have supported giving the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) direct oversight of major crypto firms, while others like Malta have opposed such centralization as the European Commission has stated.

Market participants are also observing how other large financial institutions adapt. JPMorgan, for instance, has integrated crypto offerings into its Chase Consumer Bank (CCB) ecosystem via a partnership with Coinbase according to earnings call reports. This signals that major global banks are increasingly positioning themselves in the crypto space, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.

How Will This Affect Retail Investors?

Retail investors in Belgium now have a regulated, institutional-grade option for crypto trading, which could improve liquidity and attract more institutional participation in the market according to financial analysts. The Bolero platform will require users to pass a risk knowledge and experience test before trading, ensuring a baseline understanding of crypto risks.

The closed-loop system, which prevents transfers to external wallets or exchanges, is intended to reduce exposure to external fraud and hacking risks. KBC will also provide custodial services for assets held on the platform as detailed in their platform specifications.

The launch marks a significant step for crypto adoption in Belgium and the broader EU. As more financial institutions adopt MiCA-compliant offerings, digital assets may become more integrated into traditional investment portfolios.