KBC to Offer Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading to Belgian Customers This Fall

KBC, one of Belgium’s leading financial institutions, is set to offer individual clients the opportunity to purchase Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through its investment platform Bolero starting this fall. This move marks a significant step for a major Belgian bank, as it will be the first to provide such services directly to its customers. The bank is currently undergoing the regulatory process to gain official recognition as a crypto asset service provider, with expectations to complete this process and receive approval by the fall. Once approved, individual investors will be able to purchase BTC and ETH directly through KBC’s secure platform, with a strong emphasis on user education, security, and legal compliance.

Until now, Belgian investors have generally had to rely on foreign platforms such as Binance, Coinbase, and OKX, or digital banks like Revolut and N26 for their crypto investments. KBC’s initiative will provide a domestic alternative, offering a more regulated and secure environment for cryptocurrency trading. Other major Belgian banks, such as Belfius, ING Belgium, and BNP Paribas Fortis, are taking a more cautious approach. Belfius is exploring how to adapt to the crypto market through its investment platform Re=bel, while ING Belgium is examining the issue carefully. BNP Paribas Fortis, on the other hand, has no plans to offer any crypto-related services at this time.

The introduction of the European Union’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation has significantly changed the landscape for banks entering the digital asset space. This regulation eliminates the need for extensive new licenses, making it easier for banks to offer crypto services. A similar development is occurring in Germany, where regional banks known as Sparkassen announced that individual customers will be able to buy and sell BTC and ETH via mobile apps starting in 2026. Spain’s second-largest bank, BBVA, also announced last March that it was developing a product for crypto investments.

According to industry experts, the intense interest in cryptocurrencies is driving banks to take action in this area. A recent study published by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) revealed that 43% of Belgian investors under the age of 29 invest in cryptocurrencies, with this rate increasing to 45% for those in their 30s. This growing interest highlights the need for regulated and secure platforms for cryptocurrency trading, which KBC aims to provide through its Bolero platform. By offering Bitcoin and Ether trading, KBC is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution that recognizes the growing importance of digital currencies in the global economy. This move is likely to attract a new segment of customers who are interested in diversifying their portfolios with digital assets, further solidifying KBC’s position in the rapidly evolving financial market.