KBC, Belgium’s largest bank-insurance group, has chosen Taurus, a Switzerland-based company, as its custody partner for managing crypto assets.
As part of this move, KBC is rolling out regulated cryptocurrency trading through Bolero, an online platform designed for self-directed investors. This makes KBC the first Belgium-based bank to offer such services within a fully compliant banking framework.
The crypto trading began on February 16, 2026, with Bitcoin and Ether available for trading via Bolero. Trading operates under EU regulations, including MiCAR guidelines, and includes mandatory risk disclosures and educational materials for investors.
Security and Compliance
Crypto assets will be held through Taurus-PROTECT, a secure institutional platform that provides custody services. This integration ensures that KBC’s existing risk management, compliance, and operational systems are fully supported.
Under the closed operating model of this partnership, crypto assets purchased or sold via Bolero remain on the Taurus-PROTECT platform. This setup is intended to reduce risks associated with operations, fraud, and security issues. Clients will not need to manage their private keys or interact directly with external cryptocurrency exchanges.
This launch responds to growing client interest in regulated crypto services through established financial institutions, a trend that has intensified since the implementation of MiCAR, which provides harmonized regulatory standards for crypto-asset services across EU member states.
According to Erik Luts from KBC Group, clients have shown increasing interest in cryptocurrency assets over several years. The partnership with Taurus allows KBC to provide these services while maintaining the same level of security and governance as its broader operations.
Lamine Brahimi, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Taurus, highlighted that KBC’s approach underscores the necessity of banking-grade technology for regulated crypto services. He characterized this initiative as market-first in Belgium.
