KBC Group, one of Belgium’s largest banking institutions, is set to roll out Bitcoin and Ether trading services for retail investors starting mid-February, marking another step by traditional European banks into the digital asset market.
In an announcement made on Thursday, KBC said that from February 16, customers will be able to buy and sell cryptocurrencies through Bolero, the bank’s online investment platform.
The offering will initially support only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), with the bank indicating a cautious and phased approach to crypto adoption.
Service Details and Security Measures
The crypto trading service will be fully integrated into KBC’s existing investment infrastructure and will rely on the bank’s own custodial solution, meaning customer assets will be held and safeguarded within KBC’s regulated framework.
The service will operate on an execution-only basis, allowing users to place trades without receiving personalized investment advice.
KBC said customers must complete a knowledge and experience assessment before gaining access to crypto trading, in line with investor protection requirements under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
The bank has submitted the required Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) notification to regulators, clearing the way for the launch.
Bolero’s crypto offering will reportedly use a closed-loop model, meaning users can buy and sell digital assets only within the platform and cannot transfer them to external wallets or exchanges.
The structure is designed to reduce risks related to fraud, money laundering, and unauthorized transfers, while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Broader Market Context
KBC’s move reflects growing momentum among European banks to provide crypto services within a regulated environment as institutional demand and retail interest continue to rise.
By offering crypto trading directly through a trusted banking platform, KBC aims to give customers exposure to digital assets without requiring them to rely on offshore exchanges.
The launch places KBC among a small but growing group of traditional banks embracing crypto under MiCA’s regulatory framework. Market participants will be watching closely to see whether the bank expands the service to include additional digital assets or broader functionality in the future.