Belgium’s KBC Bank is preparing to enable retail investors to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through its Bolero platform, pending regulatory approval later this year. This move positions KBC among the first major Belgian banks to embrace cryptocurrency investments for mainstream customers.
KBC’s Bolero Platform to Integrate BTC and ETH Trading
KBC confirmed to Cointelegraph that its online investment subsidiary, Bolero, will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum investment services in late 2024 after securing regulatory clearance as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP).
“We’re currently finalizing analysis to obtain CASP certification by autumn. Once approved, private investors can directly invest in BTC and ETH within a trusted framework emphasizing education, security, and compliance,” a KBC spokesperson stated.
This initiative reflects growing demand for regulated crypto access among European retail investors, who currently rely on offshore exchanges like Binance, CoinBase, or OKX.
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KBC Pioneers Crypto Adoption in Belgian Banking
If approved, KBC will become Belgium’s first major bank to offer retail crypto trading, according to L’Echo. The report highlights that Belgian investors predominantly use:
- Foreign exchanges (e.g., Binance, Revolut)
- Crypto-friendly neobanks (e.g., N26)
This aligns with a broader European trend, where banks like Germany’s Deutsche Bank and Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe are also developing crypto custody solutions.
Why Banks Are Embracing Cryptocurrencies
- Client Demand: Spain’s BBVA advises high-net-worth clients to allocate up to 7% of portfolios to BTC.
- Regulatory Clarity: The EU’s MiCA framework (2025) accelerates institutional adoption.
- Revenue Streams: Crypto services attract younger, tech-savvy customers.
Table: European Banks Expanding into Crypto
| Bank | Country | Service Offered | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| KBC | Belgium | BTC/ETH trading | Late 2024 |
| Deutsche Bank | Germany | Custody solutions | 2025 |
| BBVA | Spain | Wealth management advisory | Active |
Industry Experts Predict Wider Bank Adoption
In April 2024, executives from Messari and Sygnum forecasted that over 50% of European banks would offer crypto-related products by 2026, citing favorable regulations.
Similarly, Stripe’s president John Collison noted partnerships with banks exploring stablecoin payments, signaling deeper blockchain integration in finance.
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FAQs: KBC’s Crypto Investment Service
Q1: When will KBC launch BTC/ETH trading?
A: Expected late 2024, pending CASP approval.
Q2: How does KBC ensure security?
A: Bolero will enforce strict compliance with EU crypto laws, including anti-fraud measures.
Q3: Will KBC support other cryptocurrencies?
A: Initially limited to BTC and ETH, with potential expansions based on demand.
Q4: Are there fees for crypto trading on Bolero?
A: Fee structures will be announced post-regulatory approval.
Q5: How does this compare to using exchanges like Binance?
A: Bolero offers integrated banking safeguards, unlike decentralized platforms.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Mainstream Crypto Access
KBC’s move signals a pivotal shift toward bank-mediated cryptocurrency investing, combining institutional trust with digital asset innovation. As regulatory frameworks solidify, expect more banks to follow suit, bridging the gap between traditional finance and Web3 economies.
For investors, this underscores the importance of choosing compliant, education-focused platforms to navigate the crypto landscape safely.