Introduction to BPCE's Crypto Integration
BPCE, one of France’s largest banking groups, is set to make a transformative move by integrating cryptocurrency trading into its mobile apps. Starting soon, the bank will enable its retail customers to buy and sell major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and USDC directly from the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne apps. This development positions BPCE as one of the first major traditional European banks to adopt the digital asset market.
A Gradual Expansion to 12 Million Customers
The initial rollout will focus on around 2 million customers from four regional banks, including Banque Populaire Île-de-France and Caisse d’Épargne Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. BPCE plans to gradually expand the service across its remaining 25 regional entities, ultimately providing crypto trading access to its full 12 million retail customers by 2026. This phased approach allows BPCE to monitor the performance of the service before extending it further, ensuring a smooth integration.
Crypto trading will be facilitated through Hexarq, BPCE’s dedicated digital asset subsidiary. Customers will be able to access the service through a crypto-specific account, which will carry a monthly fee of 2.99 euros ($3.48) and a 1.5% commission per transaction, with a minimum fee of $1.16. Notably, customers won’t need external exchanges or third-party wallets to execute trades, simplifying the process for users.
Rising Competition and Industry Shift
BPCE’s move comes as traditional banks face increasing competition from crypto-friendly fintech companies like Revolut, Deblock, and Trade Republic, which already offer access to digital assets. With this step into crypto trading, BPCE is aiming to meet the growing demand from customers eager to access digital asset services and keep up with the rapid pace of change in the financial sector.
Several other European banks have also ventured into crypto services. BBVA allows Spanish customers to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ether directly within its app, while Santander’s Openbank offers trading and custody for several cryptocurrencies.
BPCE’s entry into the crypto space reflects how European banks are responding to the increasing demand for digital asset services. As cryptocurrencies gain momentum, BPCE’s decision to integrate crypto trading into its mobile apps shows how traditional banks are evolving in response to customer demand.
License Transition Deadline for Virtual Asset Service Providers
Meanwhile, across Europe, regulatory changes are also on the horizon. Italy’s financial regulator, Consob, has issued a reminder to crypto operators and investors to comply with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The deadline for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to transition their operations to comply with MiCA is rapidly approaching, with a cutoff date of December 30, 2025.
Providers currently registered in Italy must apply for official licensing as crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) either in Italy or another EU member state if they wish to continue operations beyond this date. This move underscores the broader regulatory shift in Europe as crypto regulations evolve and expand across the continent.