KBC Bank, one of Belgium’s top financial institutions, is gearing up to let retail customers invest in Bitcoin and Ether directly through its online investment platform, Bolero. The move positions KBC to become the first major Belgian bank to offer crypto trading services to the public, according to a report by L’Echo.

The bank confirmed that Bolero will add access to Bitcoin and Ether later this year, pending approval as a registered Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) this fall. A KBC spokesperson stated the bank’s goal is to provide crypto investments in a “trusted framework,” with a strong focus on security, regulation, and investor education.

Until now, Belgian users looking to trade crypto have relied on foreign platforms such as Binance, Coinbase, OKX, or investment apps like Revolut and N26. KBC’s entry into the crypto space could shift the dynamic, offering a local, regulated alternative for investors.

This move aligns with a broader trend across Europe, as major banks in Germany, including Deutsche Bank and Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, also prepare to launch crypto services. In Spain, BBVA has already encouraged high-net-worth clients to allocate part of their portfolios—up to 7%—to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Industry analysts have predicted this wave of adoption. In April, executives from crypto firms Messari and Sygnum forecasted that the second half of 2025 would see significant crypto adoption by traditional banks, thanks to clearer regulations and growing institutional interest.

Even global payments company Stripe has joined the conversation, with co-founder John Collison revealing in May that talks with banks about integrating stablecoins are well underway.