BPCE Bank Enables Cryptocurrency Trading for 2 Million Customers

France's second-largest banking group, BPCE, has introduced crypto trading services in its mobile apps for selected users of Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne. This initial rollout allows approximately 2 million customers to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC.

Limited Rollout and Future Plans

The launch is currently available in specific regions, including Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur and Île-de-France.
BPCE plans to expand the service to all 25 regional entities by 2026, potentially reaching 12 million clients.
A new unit, Hexarq, will handle customer crypto accounts, offering in-app digital-asset accounts with a custody model.

This initiative comes amidst growing competition from fintech companies like Revolut and Trade Republic, which offer similar services. BPCE aims to retain younger customers who might otherwise shift to these fintech platforms.

Service Details

Customers will incur a monthly fee of €2.99 and a 1.5% commission on trades.
These fees are higher than those of many crypto-first platforms but may appeal to users seeking convenience and security within their existing banking ecosystem.

BPCE's move aligns with other European banks like BBVA and Openbank, which have also integrated crypto trading into their offerings.