KBC Bank launches regulated crypto services with Crypto Finance as partner
KBC Bank is launching regulated crypto trading services for its clients via Bolero, KBC’s online investment platform, marking an important step in the evolution of digital investing in Belgium. With this move, KBC becomes the first bank in Belgium – and among the first banks in Europe – to provide retail investors access to crypto assets within a regulated European framework, combining innovation with a strong focus on trust, security and investor protection.
The new service enables clients to trade selected crypto assets within a trusted banking environment that adheres to strict regulatory and operational standards. By integrating crypto assets into its existing digital investment ecosystem, KBC continues its strategy of responsible innovation, expanding investment opportunities while maintaining the protection and reliability clients expect from a leading European bank.
To support the crypto trading component, KBC has partnered with Crypto Finance, part of Deutsche Börse Group. Crypto Finance provides institutional-grade trading services, acting as principal trading counterparty and ensuring reliable execution and access to liquidity across market conditions.
The services are delivered in line with the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), enabling crypto trading to be provided in a regulated and compliant manner. Crypto Finance brings extensive experience in supporting banks and financial institutions across Europe in integrating crypto trading into their platforms and governance frameworks. As part of Deutsche Börse Group, Crypto Finance provides additional stability and regulatory expertise for institutional partnerships. The collaboration demonstrates how established financial institutions and specialised digital asset providers can jointly deliver innovative yet well-regulated investment solutions to clients in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Erik Luts, chief innovation officer at KBC Group, said: “With this launch, we are making innovation concrete for our clients by providing access to crypto assets within a regulated and trusted framework. Trust is a key element of our approach, and by working with Crypto Finance as our trading partner, we rely on an experienced and regulated provider that meets the high standards we apply across our investment services.”
Stijn Vander Straeten, CEO of Crypto Finance Group, said: “Our collaboration with KBC showcases how banks can confidently extend their offering into digital assets through fully integrated, institutional-grade crypto services delivered in a compliant framework and backed by Crypto Finance’s European market expertise.”