Belgium’s Second-Largest Bank Allows Crypto Trading

Why This Shift Matters in Belgium

KBC confirmed its plans on January 15, 2026, following months of preparation. The bank had already stated in July 2025 that it intended to apply for a Crypto Asset Service Provider license and target a 2026 launch. MiCA provided the legal clarity needed to move forward by establishing a unified regulatory framework for crypto services across the EU.

Previously, KBC only experimented with blockchain through Kate Coin, an internal reward token launched in 2022. However, no Belgian bank had offered open-market access to Bitcoin or Ethereum for everyday retail investors until now.

Across Europe, similar moves have already taken place. In 2025, banks such as BBVA and Openbank in Spain and DZ Bank in Germany launched regulated crypto services. These launches increased retail participation, boosted institutional custody volumes across the euro area, and improved investor confidence, even as regulators continued to warn about crypto’s high risk.

Against this backdrop, KBC’s entry positions Belgium alongside other major European markets that are integrating crypto into mainstream finance.

What Makes Belgium’s Crypto Trading Different

First, KBC will operate the service on an execution-only basis. The bank will not provide investment advice or recommendations, and clients will make all trading decisions independently. This structure aligns with regulatory requirements and limits bank liability.

Second, it will require all users to pass a mandatory knowledge and experience test before accessing KBC Bitcoin Ethereum trading. This step ensures that clients understand crypto risks and helps protect less experienced investors.

In addition, the platform will use a closed-loop system. Clients can buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum only within Bolero. They cannot transfer assets to external wallets or exchanges. KBC will manage custody internally, which reduces risks related to fraud, theft, and compliance while keeping assets under regulated supervision.

At launch, KBC will support only Bitcoin and Ethereum. By limiting the offering to the two most established cryptocurrencies, the bank is taking a cautious approach under the MiCA framework, a key milestone for Belgium’s crypto trading in regulated banking.

Implications for Belgium’s Crypto Trading

The launch of KBC Bitcoin Ethereum trading significantly lowers the barrier to entry for Belgian retail investors who prefer accessing crypto through a trusted bank rather than standalone exchanges. As a result, adoption could rise among traditional investors who previously avoided crypto due to security or regulatory concerns.

At th same time, KBC’s move may pressure other Belgian banks to follow. Once a major institution proves that regulated crypto trading works within MiCA rules, competition typically accelerates.

Looking ahead, KBC also belongs to a wider European banking group that plans to introduce a regulated euro-denominated stablecoin in late 2026. If successful, this could expand into faster payments, additional digital assets, and deeper crypto integration across banking services, strengthening Belgium’s crypto trading infrastructure further.

Overall, KBC’s decision marks a turning point for Belgium. It signals that crypto has moved from the margins into regulated, mainstream finance and positions the country as a potential leader in Europe’s evolving crypto-banking landscape.

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