Belgium’s conservative banking landscape is about to change as KBC Group prepares to introduce cryptocurrency trading for its customers in February 2026.
The move will make KBC the first bank in the country to offer regulated access to digital assets, bringing crypto into the mainstream of Belgian retail finance.
Key Takeaways
KBC will launch regulated crypto trading in February 2026, becoming the first Belgian bank to do so
The service will be integrated directly into KBC’s Bolero investment platform
The launch is enabled by the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework
Similar moves by banks like DZ Bank point to accelerating institutional crypto adoption in Europe
For years, local investors interested in crypto largely depended on foreign exchanges or fintech platforms operating outside traditional banking channels. KBC’s entry signals a shift in mindset, treating digital assets as a legitimate investment class that can sit alongside equities, funds, and other conventional products.
Crypto Trading Integrated Into Bolero
Instead of launching a standalone crypto app, KBC is folding digital asset trading into its existing Bolero investment platform. This integration allows users to manage crypto positions within a familiar environment, using the same interface they already rely on for traditional investments.
By embedding crypto into Bolero, the bank aims to lower psychological and technical barriers for retail clients. For many investors, the presence of crypto inside a regulated bank platform may reduce concerns around security, custody, and compliance that have long kept them on the sidelines.
MiCA Clears the Path for Banks
The rollout is made possible by the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, which has reshaped how financial institutions approach digital assets. MiCA provides clear rules around investor protection, licensing, and operational standards, giving banks the confidence to expand into crypto without regulatory ambiguity.
For KBC, this framework allows innovation to move forward under supervision, positioning crypto trading as a controlled financial service rather than a speculative add-on.
A Broader European Shift
KBC’s decision fits into a wider European trend. Major lenders across the continent are beginning to roll out crypto services now that MiCA is in force. Germany’s DZ Bank, for instance, recently launched a regulated crypto trading platform after receiving approval from BaFin.
As more large banks with substantial assets under management enter the market, they bring liquidity, infrastructure, and institutional credibility. This growing involvement could play a meaningful role in shaping the next phase of crypto adoption across Europe.
