Belgium's KBC Group is preparing to roll out cryptocurrency trading for retail investors later this year, marking a first among the country’s traditional banks.
The service, which will be integrated into KBC’s Bolero investment platform, is expected to launch by autumn, pending regulatory approval.
Until now, Belgian banks have largely avoided offering direct access to crypto. This has left local investors reliant on foreign exchanges like Binance and Coinbase, or on neobanks such as Revolut. KBC’s move signals a turning point, especially as younger Belgians show increasing interest in digital assets. A recent survey from the FSMA revealed that nearly half of investors under 30 in Belgium have already bought cryptocurrency.
The bank’s plan emphasizes security, education, and compliance—aiming to meet MiCA standards, the EU’s new crypto regulatory framework. KBC is seeking official registration as a crypto service provider and hopes to offer a smooth onboarding experience tailored to retail clients.
KBC’s push reflects a broader trend across Europe. Major banks, including Germany’s Sparkassen and Deutsche Bank, are exploring or preparing crypto services. In neighboring Poland, insurer PZU recently announced a Bitcoin-focused fund, while Italy’s UniCredit introduced a structured BTC investment product for institutional clients.
With operations spanning Central and Eastern Europe, KBC’s crypto ambitions could also extend into markets like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria—regions where demand for digital assets is rapidly gaining ground.
Alexander Zdravkov is passionate about questions of meaning. He is a fluent German speaker as well as He has been in the crypto space for more than three years and has an eye for spotting emerging trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or reporting on all topics on a daily basis, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does makes him a valuable addition to the team.
