Crypto Goes Mainstream In Belgium As KBC Launches Retail Trading

Belgium’s KBC Bank is set to open the door to cryptocurrencies for everyday investors. Based on reports from Belga News Agency, the bank will let retail clients buy Bitcoin and Ether through its Bolero platform starting this autumn.

It’s a first for a big Belgian bank. Until now, people in Belgium have had to turn to global players like Coinbase, Binance or neo‑banks such as Revolut and Bunq for crypto access.

Belgian banking group KBC will allow retail clients to trade bitcoin and ether via its investment platform Bolero starting this autumn. The move marks the first time a major Belgian bank enters the crypto market. https://t.co/XsMwllIV1l#Belga #Belgium #Crypto #Bitcoin

— Belga News Agency_English (@Belga_English) July 2, 2025

Regulatory Nod In Sight

According to De Tijd, KBC is working on getting approval as a digital currency service provider under the EU’s new Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) rules.

The bank expects a green light from supervisors by this autumn. If all goes well, Bolero users will see a new “Crypto” tab in their accounts where they can pick how much Bitcoin or Ether to buy.

KBC says it’s building in safeguards around security and know‑your‑customer checks to meet rules on anti‑money laundering.

Competition And Caution

Other big Belgian banks are watching closely. Belfius has shown interest in adding BTC via its Rebel app, but ING and BNP Paribas Fortis have stayed on the sidelines for now.

Retail investors have been asking their banks to offer crypto services for a while. KBC’s move could spark a wave of similar offers, or it might remain unique if regulators drag their feet.

Interest in bitcoin is highest among younger Belgians. A recent survey by the Financial Services and Markets Authority found that 43% of people under 29 already invest in crypto, and that number climbs to 45% for those under 30.

Many say they feel more comfortable trading familiar coins like Bitcoin rather than exploring smaller tokens. KBC hopes these stats will draw more clients to Bolero as it adds the digital currency option.

Pending MiCA approval, KBC plans to roll out its trading feature on Bolero this autumn. Industry observers will be watching to see whether other Belgian banks follow suit or maintain a more cautious stance.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView