Major Belgian bank officially announces entry: Bank version of Bitcoin trading coming soon

LiquiditySurfer · 2026-01-16T06:38:15+00:00

Belgium's second-largest bank, KBC Group, will launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on its investment platform Bolero, becoming the first bank in the region to offer this service. The trading will go live in mid-February, adopting a "execute-only" mode, and users will need to pass a risk test. KBC ensures security by using a "closed-loop" model, with customer assets circulating only within the platform.

LiquiditySurfer

2026-01-16 06:38:15

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【BitPush】Big move from Europe. Belgium's second-largest bank, KBC Group, just announced that it will open Bitcoin and Ethereum trading on its investment platform Bolero, becoming Belgium's first bank to venture into this space.

When will it go live? In mid-February. Operating under the EU's crypto asset market regulation framework (MiCA), KBC has already submitted the full crypto asset service provider notification to the regulators.

How to play? It adopts a “execution-only” model—basically, the platform only handles transactions, and investment decisions are entirely up to you. But before placing an order, you must pass a test: demonstrate understanding of risks and experience, which is a mandatory requirement.

How about security? KBC has not compromised here. The platform uses a “closed-loop” model, where customer assets can only circulate within Bolero. Want to transfer to an external wallet or exchange? Not possible. All assets are custody-managed by the bank, cutting off avenues for fraud and money laundering from the source.

Simply put, this is a formal trial by traditional financial institutions under the MiCA framework—retail clients must go through the bank as the gatekeeper.

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DancingCandles

· 01-16 21:03

Oh wow, traditional banks can finally no longer sit still. KBC is trying to steal our business.

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MiningDisasterSurvivor

· 01-16 13:05

What’s the point of banks entering the market? They just get their funds cut by asset management fees, I’ve been through this cycle. --- The closed-loop model sounds safe, but in reality, it just locks you in; you can’t even run if you want to. --- Launching in February? Again, just a project team’s PPT promise. Believe it, and you’ll lose. --- Playing under the MiCA regulatory framework shows they’re serious this time, unlike some capital pools. --- Hard risk testing? Ha, that’s just harvesting the newbies; they’re afraid of trouble if beginners lose money. --- Traditional banks finally entered humbly, but it’s too late in the cycle. Being cautious now is the right move.

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GamefiGreenie

· 01-16 07:04

Banks are starting to sell cryptocurrencies now, this is really about compliance. It feels like institutional entry is not that far away.

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BlindBoxVictim

· 01-16 07:00

Finally, banks are starting to get involved. It was about time.

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WhaleStalker