KBC Bank to Launch Crypto Trading in 2025, Leading Belgian Market

KBC Bank, a prominent financial institution in Belgium, is on the verge of introducing cryptocurrency trading services to its retail clients. This move positions KBC as the first major bank in the region to venture into the crypto space, offering Bitcoin and Ether investments through its Bolero investment platform. The bank is currently undergoing an assessment to obtain recognition as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP), a process expected to conclude by autumn. Once approved, the rollout could commence by the end of 2025, placing KBC ahead of its domestic rivals in the retail crypto market.

KBC's decision to offer cryptocurrency trading is driven by a growing demand from retail investors who currently rely on foreign exchanges and digital banking apps for crypto access. The bank aims to provide a trusted framework for crypto investments, focusing on education, security, and regulatory compliance. This initiative aligns with a broader trend among European banks toward digital asset integration, as traditional financial institutions respond to increasing investor interest in cryptocurrencies.

The European Union's newly implemented MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation has set unified standards for crypto operations across the European Economic Area (EEA). This regulatory framework has already seen major crypto exchanges like OKX, Coinbase, Bybit, and Crypto.com secure licenses, creating a more competitive and regulated European crypto market. The pressure on legacy banks to follow suit is mounting, with several major financial players already planning to expand their crypto-related offerings.

Germany’s Deutsche Bank is reportedly preparing to launch a crypto custody service in 2026, collaborating with Austrian exchange Bitpanda and tech firm Taurus. Meanwhile, Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, Germany’s largest banking group, plans to allow direct Bitcoin and Ether trading via its mobile app by summer 2026. In Spain, BBVA has been advising its affluent clients to allocate a portion of their portfolios to Bitcoin and other digital assets, reflecting a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within the financial sector.

KBC's entry into retail crypto trading could mark the beginning of a broader trend across Europe, as traditional financial institutions ramp up their digital asset services under MiCA's regulatory umbrella. The clarity provided by MiCA not only offers regulatory cover but also unlocks long-term opportunities in digital finance. Whether rivals follow will likely depend on how quickly they can adapt to MiCA’s evolving standards and meet the growing demand from retail investors for crypto services.