Belgium’s KBC Bank will allow retail investors to tradeBitcoin and Ether starting next month through its online investment platformBolero. According to KBC, it will be the first Belgian bank to offercrypto trading.The launch comes amid increased European regulatory scrutinyof crypto service providers. TheEuropean Securities and Markets Authority recently updated its rules onconflict-of-interest management for crypto-asset service providers under theMarkets in Crypto-Assets Regulation.KBC Bank Launches Crypto Trading PlatformKBC said customers will be able to buy and sell cryptoassets using the bank’s own custodial solution. “This will enable self-directedinvestors in Belgium to invest in cryptocurrencies within a secure and fullyregulated environment,” the bank said.The bank has also submitted a full crypto asset serviceprovider notification to the relevant Belgian authority. “By offering theopportunity to purchase and sell crypto within a regulated framework, we aremaking innovation concrete and accessible,” said KBC Group chief innovationofficer Erik Luts.🚨 JUST IN 🚨🇧🇪 BELGIUM’S 2ND-LARGEST BANK KBC TO OFFER BITCOIN & ETHER TRADING FOR RETAIL CLIENTS! 🚀💥#KBC #Crypto #Bitcoin #Ether #Belgium #CryptoNews pic.twitter.com/M6irHZIYQZ— Crypto News Hunters 🎯 (@CryptoNewsHntrs) January 16, 2026Belgium Delays MiCA License IssuanceCointelegraph reported that Belgian authorities have not yetissued MiCA licenses, according to the ESMA public register. While MiCA enteredinto force across the EU in late 2025, Belgium only adopted its implementinglaw in December 2025. The law took effect on Jan. 3, 2026, officiallydesignating the Financial Services and Markets Authority and the National Bankof Belgium as the country’s crypto regulators.Belgium’s delayed implementation reflects broader debateacross the EU over centralized oversight and cross-border licensing. Somemember states, including France, have argued that ESMA should have directauthority over major crypto firms and raised concerns about the passporting oflicenses from other countries. France has also indicated it may block licensesissued by states with more lenient standards, while other countries, such asMalta, have opposed centralization, citing potential impacts on competitivenessand innovation.This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.