Belgium's KBC Group to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading Services

According to PANews, Belgium's second-largest bank, KBC Group, has announced plans to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services to retail customers through its online investment platform, Bolero. This initiative makes KBC the first bank in the country to provide such services. The launch is scheduled for the week of February 16 and will operate under the regulatory framework of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). KBC has submitted a comprehensive notification to regulatory authorities regarding its crypto asset service offerings. The service will follow an 'execution-only' model, requiring customers to make their own decisions and complete a risk knowledge and experience test before trading. To mitigate fraud and money laundering risks, the platform will use a 'closed-loop' model, allowing customers to buy and sell only within the Bolero platform. Assets cannot be transferred to external wallets or exchanges, and the bank will provide custody services.