KBC Bank to launch Bitcoin and Ether trading in Belgium under MiCA

KBC Bank, one of Belgium’s leading financial institutions, has announced its intention to launch regulated trading services for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) for its domestic clientele. This strategic integration positions KBC as a first-mover among major Belgian banks responding proactively to the European Union’s impending Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.

The initiative is designed to offer retail and private banking clients a safe, trusted, and highly regulated entry point into the digital asset market. Trading services will be accessible directly through the bank’s established digital platforms, likely the KBC Mobile app, leveraging the convenience and security already afforded by the bank’s ecosystem.

KBC’s decision to launch under the preparatory framework of MiCA standards emphasizes a commitment to consumer protection and market integrity. By providing a regulated alternative, KBC aims to draw clients away from potentially risky offshore or unregulated exchanges, managing the complexities of custody, transaction security, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance directly.

While the full implementation deadlines for MiCA are set for late 2024 and early 2025, KBC’s early integration highlights the financial sector’s preparation for a standardized, compliant crypto economy within the EU. This move solidifies KBC’s role in pioneering institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies in Belgium under clear regulatory oversight.

Source: KBC Bank to launch Bitcoin and Ether trading in Belgium under MiCA