Introduction to Crypto Trading Services
KBC customers in Belgium can now purchase and sell crypto assets starting February 16 through the Bolero investment platform. This move positions the bank as the first in Belgium to offer crypto trading within a fully regulated environment.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
The newly introduced service operates on KBC's proprietary custodial infrastructure and adheres to the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). To facilitate this feature, KBC submitted a comprehensive crypto asset service provider notification to Belgian authorities.
Belgium recently incorporated MiCA into its national legislation, establishing its framework in December 2025. The regulation officially became legally effective in the country on January 3, 2026, as published in the Belgian Official Gazette. The oversight of crypto asset markets in Belgium is now shared between two key authorities: the Financial Services and Markets Authority and the National Bank of Belgium.
Bank's Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility
Erik Luts, KBC Group's chief innovation officer, highlighted the bank's dedication to making innovation tangible and accessible by providing crypto purchases within a regulated framework. The bank had initially announced its intention to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading via Bolero in July 2025, while awaiting the necessary regulatory approvals.
EU-Wide Regulatory Discussions
Currently, Belgium has not issued any MiCA licenses, according to the public register maintained by the European Securities and Markets Authority. KBC has not specified which particular authority it collaborated with for the launch of its crypto service.
Discussions are ongoing across the EU regarding the extent of the European Securities and Markets Authority's (ESMA) supervisory authority and whether MiCA licenses issued in one member state should be valid across the entire bloc through a passporting system.
France has expressed support for granting ESMA direct oversight of significant crypto firms, arguing that fragmented supervision could jeopardize the bloc's financial sovereignty. Conversely, Malta has opposed such centralization, cautioning that it might impede competitiveness and innovation.
Service Launch and Platform Details
The bank officially announced the crypto trading service on Thursday. European public affairs adviser Michaël Cloots shared this news via LinkedIn. KBC is recognized as one of Belgium's largest banks and provides the Bolero platform, which is designed for self-directed investors.