Belgium’s KBC Bank to Offer Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading to Retail Clients This Fall

TLDR:

• KBC will offer direct Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to retail users via its Bolero app.
• The bank is applying for CASP status as part of a MiCA-compliant crypto service rollout.
• KBC is the first major Belgian bank to launch in-house crypto trading for retail clients.
• Other banks like Belfius and ING remain cautious, monitoring the regulatory environment.

Belgium’s KBC Bank is preparing to enter the crypto space with a new offering for retail investors. 

Starting this fall, the bank will allow customers to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum directly through its Bolero investment platform. This move marks a shift in the country’s banking sector, with KBC becoming the first major Belgian bank to make crypto accessible on its own platform. 

The development comes as part of a wider change in the regulatory landscape. With the upcoming implementation of MiCA rules, European banks now face fewer barriers to offering digital asset services.

KBC to Support Direct Crypto Purchases

KBC confirmed plans to integrate crypto trading within Bolero, its investment app, later this year. According to the bank, the offering will include Bitcoin and Ether, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market value. The process is currently under review by regulators.

A spokesperson for KBC said the bank is seeking recognition as a crypto-asset service provider. The goal is to create a secure and compliant space for retail clients to explore digital assets. 

The new service will also include educational tools to help users understand crypto investing.

KBC va bientôt proposer à ses clients d'acheter du bitcoin et de l'ether https://t.co/4Fhs0U9g2c pic.twitter.com/pWVM7B6LeB

— L'Echo (@lecho) July 2, 2025

KBC’s announcement positions it ahead of other major banks in Belgium. 

So far, no other domestic institution has offered direct crypto trading. Until now, Belgian investors interested in cryptocurrencies had to rely on foreign exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or platforms such as Revolut and N26.

While KBC moves forward, other banks remain cautious. Belfius is evaluating how its Re=bel platform could enter the crypto market. ING Belgium said it is monitoring developments but has not confirmed plans. BNP Paribas Fortis stated it has no intention to offer crypto services at this time.

MiCA Regulation Eases Entry for Banks

The crypto space in Europe has long faced regulatory uncertainty, discouraging banks from launching digital asset products. Security risks, price volatility, and concerns over money laundering slowed adoption.

However, the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework is changing that. Once active, MiCA will streamline licensing and reduce legal complexity. This allows banks like KBC to offer crypto products without creating entirely new infrastructure.

KBC’s planned rollout reflects a growing demand for crypto access in regulated environments.

With Bitcoin and Ethereum gaining popularity among investors, the bank’s move could shift how Belgian consumers interact with digital assets. As regulators finalize approvals, KBC is setting up for a fall launch. If successful, it could encourage other European banks to follow.