KBC Bank, one of Belgium’s largest financial institutions, is planning to enable customers to invest in cryptocurrencies through its online investment platform, Bolero. The bank confirmed it expects to roll out Bitcoin and Ether investment options on Bolero later this year, pending regulatory approval.
A KBC spokesperson told that an analysis is underway to secure recognition as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) by autumn. “Private investors could then have the opportunity to invest directly in Bitcoin and Ether within a trusted framework, with a focus on education, security, and regulatory compliance,” the spokesperson stated.
First Major Belgian Bank to Enter Retail Crypto
f successful, KBC would become the first major Belgian bank to announce retail crypto investment services, according to reporting by L’Echo. At present, most Belgian crypto investors rely on foreign exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, OKX, or crypto-friendly neobanks such as Revolut and N26.
Broader European Banking Momentum
KBC’s crypto move reflects a broader trend among European banks. In Germany, Deutsche Bank and Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe are both preparing crypto offerings in the coming months. Spain’s BBVA, the country’s second-largest bank, has already advised its affluent clients to allocate up to 7% of their portfolios to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Industry observers anticipated this wave of banking adoption. Executives from Messari and Sygnum predicted back in April that banks would increasingly enter crypto markets in the second half of 2025, boosted by more favorable global regulations.
Separately, Stripe co-founder and President John Collison recently confirmed discussions with banking partners interested in exploring stablecoin opportunities.
July 2025, Cryptoniteuae