Belgium's second-largest bank announces the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, the first retail case under the EU MiCA regulatory framework

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

KBC Bank in Belgium officially offers Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services to retail clients, becoming the first bank to provide such services. The platform adopts a cautious "execute-only" model, requiring clients to test their risk knowledge and using a closed-loop design to prevent fraud risks, reflecting traditional finance's cautious attitude towards cryptocurrencies.

RektRecovery

2026-01-16 06:38:15

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[BlockBeats] Another traditional financial institution is beginning to embrace crypto assets. Belgium's second-largest bank, KBC Group, recently announced that it will offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services to retail investors through its online investment platform Bolero. This move makes KBC the first bank in Belgium to open such services to retail clients.

According to reports, the service is scheduled to go live during the week of February 16. KBC has submitted a complete crypto asset service provider notification to regulators and will operate under the EU's crypto asset market regulation framework (MiCA). This is a noteworthy signal—traditional financial systems are gradually embracing crypto assets within a strict compliance framework.

Interestingly, the platform adopts a quite cautious operational model. First, it uses an “execution-only” approach, meaning the bank does not provide investment advice, and clients must make their own decisions. Second, clients are required to pass risk knowledge and trading experience tests before placing orders. From a risk prevention perspective, the platform also employs a “closed-loop” design—Bitcoin and Ethereum bought can only be traded within the Bolero platform and cannot be withdrawn to external wallets or transferred to other exchanges, with asset custody fully managed by the bank. Although this design limits user flexibility, it is clearly aimed at maximizing fraud and money laundering prevention.

From the practical application of the MiCA framework, this is a typical example of how traditional financial institutions conduct crypto business under new regulations. Strict user screening, clear risk disclosures, and closed-loop asset management—this combination ensures compliance while also reflecting the cautious approach of traditional finance when entering this field.

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Layer2Observer

· 17h ago

Interesting discovery, this move by KBC is actually a cautious approach within the MiCA framework. The execution-only model may seem conservative, but from a legal risk perspective, this is called "smart caution"—avoiding investment advisory responsibilities and shifting decision-making power to users, so they won't be blamed for losses. Technically speaking, the EU's regulatory logic is more binding than the US OCC guidance, so traditional banks' integration of cryptocurrencies will accelerate significantly, as long as the compliance framework remains stable.

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TopBuyerBottomSeller

· 17h ago

Wow, traditional banks are starting to get involved with Bitcoin. This is really happening now. Banks are all starting to comply and deal with crypto, which means this thing really can't be stopped haha. Wait, just an enforcement mode? Then if we lose money ourselves, it's all our fault. This tactic is a bit ruthless. Doing it under the MiCA framework, Europe's speed is good, unlike some places. Now parents can also buy BTC through legit banks, and the family group chat is about to ignite again.

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unrekt.eth

· 17h ago

Traditional finance has finally caught up, but this "execution-only" model is a bit funny, essentially making banks just tools. KBC's move is solid, but it feels like they're still testing the waters. Where is the real breakthrough? The first retail case under the MiCA framework—these Europeans really love compliance... By the way, could this become a template for other banks?

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WhaleWatcher

· 17h ago

Traditional banks finally "lower their heads and be obedient," still trembling and working under the MiCA framework Embracing BTC and ETH in one step, the Belgians didn't follow the trend too late this time The only execution mode is passing the buck, anyway making fees, and shifting the risk to retail investors The EU framework has made banks too afraid to give advice, hilarious Does MiCA really change the game, or is it just another "compliance show"

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