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 has entered the Crypto market . The bank is currently undergoing regulatory approval to operate as a crypto asset service provider . A green light is expected by the autumn .
KBC says its offering will focus on investor education, security and regulatory compliance . Until now, Belgian investors had to use international platforms like Coinbase and Binance, or neobanks such as Revolut and Bunq . Other major banks in Belgium, like Belfius, ING and BNP Paribas Fortis, remain cautious . Only Belfius has expressed interest in exploring Crypto through its Rebel platform .
The shift comes amid the EU's new Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, which sets uniform standards for crypto service providers across the bloc . The aim is to level the playing field and improve oversight, especially regarding anti-money laundering compliance . Interest in crypto is growing fast in Belgium, particularly among younger investors . A recent Financial Services and Markets Authority survey found that 43 per cent of Belgian investors under 29 already invest in crypto . For those under 30, it amounts to 45 per cent .
Starting this autumn, it should be possible to buy Bitcoin and Ether via Bolero, KBC's investment platform, according to L'Echo on Wednesday . An analysis is underway to obtain recognition as a provider of crypto-asset services, the Belgian bank and insurance company has confirmed . The group expects to receive this recognition from regulators by this autumn . KBC is the first major Belgian bank to announce concrete plans to offer crypto services to retail customers .
Belgium's KBC Bank reportedly plans to let retail customers invest in Bitcoin and Ether via its Bolero platform, pending regulatory approval later this year .