KBC Bank in Belgium Achieves Milestone With First Bitcoin and Ether Trading Under MiCA

KBC Bank, the second-largest banking institution in Belgium, is poised to become the inaugural Belgian bank to facilitate direct trading of Bitcoin and Ether for retail investors in accordance with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

This initiative follows years during which Belgian investors keen on cryptocurrencies predominantly depended on international exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and OKX, or digital banking platforms such as Revolut and N26.

Source: KBC

Until this point, no significant Belgian bank had incorporated cryptocurrency trading directly into its primary investment platforms.

The bank revealed on Thursday that, beginning the week of February 16, Belgian private investors will have the ability to buy and sell the two leading cryptocurrencies via Bolero, KBC’s online investment platform.

KBC Addresses Crypto Demand While Mitigating Risk

KBC’s choice illustrates the increasing pressure on traditional financial entities to cater to persistent retail interest, even as regulators throughout Europe enhance oversight of digital assets.

This launch follows KBC’s submission of a comprehensive Crypto-Asset Service Provider, or CASP, notification to the appropriate authority under MiCA.

Although the bank did not disclose the specific regulator involved, Belgium has only recently completed its national implementation of MiCA.

The country enacted its implementing law in December 2025, with the framework becoming legally effective on January 3, 2026.

Regulation of crypto markets in Belgium is now a shared responsibility between the Financial Services and Markets Authority and the National Bank of Belgium.

Under MiCA, Bitcoin and Ether are classified as “other crypto-assets” rather than stablecoins or asset-referenced tokens, as they lack a central issuer or pegged value.

Nevertheless, the regulation imposes significant obligations on service providers such as KBC and Bolero, including rigorous consumer protection rules, asset segregation, capital requirements, cybersecurity standards, and measures to prevent market misconduct.

Any CASP authorized in one EU member state can, in theory, provide services throughout the bloc via passporting, a feature that has led to discussions among regulators.

KBC indicated that crypto trading on Bolero will occur in a closed loop, meaning customers can only buy and sell crypto within the platform, prohibiting any external transfers.

The bank stated that this arrangement is intended to minimize risks associated with fraud, money laundering, and unauthorized transactions.

KBC will offer custody services through its infrastructure, alleviating the need for customers to manage private keys or engage with third-party exchanges.

All transactions will be subject to stringent know-your-customer and transaction monitoring protocols, ensuring that funds used for trading are fully verified.

Why Is KBC Cautioning Customers Before Allowing Crypto Trading?

KBC has consistently emphasized risk disclosures in its announcement, alerting customers to the potential for sharp price fluctuations, the possibility of total loss, and the fact that crypto assets are not protected by deposit guarantee schemes.

Bolero will function on an execution-only basis, meaning customers will not receive investment advice and must make independent decisions.

Prior to engaging in crypto trading, users will be required to complete a knowledge and experience assessment to showcase their understanding of the associated risks.

Céline Pfister, CEO of Bolero, stated that educational resources will be available through the Bolero Academy at launch to assist investors in comprehending this new asset class.

KBC’s decision follows its initial announcement in July 2025 regarding its intention to offer trading in Bitcoin and Ether, pending regulatory approval.

KBC Bank takes steps to provide Bitcoin and Ether trading for retail customers via Bolero.#CryptoBanking #Belgiumhttps://t.co/9V64D4Zx6j

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) July 2, 2025

This rollout positions the bank ahead of its domestic rivals and aligns it with a wider European trend.

According to a recent industry report, over 60 banks across Europe are already offering various forms of crypto-related services.

This initiative comes as other institutions across Europe cautiously venture into digital assets, even as some regulators advocate for tighter, centralized oversight at the EU level.

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