Belgium’s KBC Group has made history as the first bank in the country to enable retail investors to trade Bitcoin directly.
As Belgium’s second-largest banking institution, KBC is pioneering crypto access for everyday clients by integrating Bitcoin trading into its digital investment platform, Bolero.
Starting from the week of February 16, individual investors will gain the ability to buy and sell Bitcoin through Bolero’s online services.
This initiative operates under a strict regulatory framework aligned with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), marking KBC as Belgium’s inaugural bank fully compliant with crypto asset service standards.
KBC has officially filed a comprehensive Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) notification with supervisory authorities, clearing all necessary hurdles for this launch.
The bank views this development as a response to increasing demand among retail customers seeking regulated cryptocurrency options while acknowledging inherent risks involved in such investments.
“By providing regulated opportunities for crypto transactions, we are turning innovation into tangible benefits,” stated Erik Luts, Chief Innovation Officer at KBC Group. “This also reinforces our commitment to lead innovation amid rapidly evolving market players.”
JUST IN: 🇧🇪 Belgium's second largest bank KBC is set to become the first Belgian financial institution offering Bitcoin trading 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0RuvaVkZNG — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) January 15, 2026
KBC's Execution-Only Approach
The initial rollout will focus exclusively on Bitcoin and Ether within an execution-only framework. Customers using Bolero will independently make their investment choices without receiving personalized advice from the platform.
Prior to engaging in any cryptocurrency trades, clients must successfully complete an assessment designed to evaluate their understanding of risks such as price volatility and potential total loss associated with digital assets.
KBC and Bolero have implemented a “closed-loop” system aimed at minimizing fraud and money laundering risks. This means users can only transact cryptocurrencies within Bolero itself—transfers between external wallets or exchanges are not permitted.
The bank also offers custody solutions so that investors do not need direct management of private keys themselves, enhancing security and convenience.
This move is partially influenced by demographic insights showing approximately 45% of Belgians aged around thirty already hold cryptocurrency investments. Additionally, about 60% of Bolero's clientele are under forty years old—with “Bitcoin” ranking high among popular search terms on their platform.
Céline Pfister, CEO of Bolero, emphasized that their goal is making crypto accessible while ensuring customers receive thorough education via resources available through the newly launched Bolero Academy at debut time.
A Broader European Trend
A similar strategy was adopted last year by Germany’s DZ Bank—the country’s second-largest lender—which obtained authorization under MiCAR regulations allowing it to introduce retail-level crypto trading across cooperative banks nationwide. The BaFin-approved meinKrypto platform enables Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken clients direct access for buying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin within existing banking apps subject to each bank’s approval process.
This article originally appeared on Bitcoin Magazine authored by Micah Zimmerman discussing Belgium's pioneering step toward mainstreaming bitcoin trading through traditional banking channels via KBC Group.