Belgian Bank KBC to Open Cryptocurrency Trading via Bolero in Mid-February, Pioneering Compliant In-Bank Transactions

Odaily News According to an official announcement, Belgian banking group KBC announced that starting the week of February 16, its online investment platform Bolero will support individual investors in buying and selling crypto assets within the platform, becoming the first bank in Belgium to offer such services. The related services will be conducted under the framework of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). KBC has submitted a complete Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) registration to the competent authority.

The announcement shows that initially, Bolero will support Bitcoin and Ethereum trading, adopting an "execution-only, no investment advice" model. Users are required to complete a knowledge and experience test before trading to confirm their full understanding of the risks associated with crypto asset investment. Meanwhile, KBC employs a closed trading and custody model. Crypto assets can only be bought and sold within Bolero, with transfers to external platforms not supported. Strict KYC and KYT processes are implemented to mitigate fraud and money laundering risks.

KBC stated that this initiative aims to respond to market demand for regulated crypto investment channels under compliant and secure premises. By leveraging bank-grade custody and risk control systems, it provides investors with a more controlled way to participate.