French Banking Giant BPCE Launches In-App Cryptocurrency Trading Services

French banking group BPCE launched in-app cryptocurrency trading services on Monday, December 9, 2025. According to Cointelegraph, customers can now buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC directly inside Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Épargne mobile applications.

The initial rollout covers four regional banks including Banque Populaire Île-de-France and Caisse d'Épargne Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This phase reaches approximately 2 million customers. BPCE plans to extend the service across its remaining 25 regional entities throughout 2026. The complete expansion will make crypto trading available to 12 million retail customers.

The service operates through dedicated digital asset accounts within banking apps. BPCE subsidiary Hexarq manages all crypto purchases and sales. Customers pay a monthly fee of 2.99 euros and a 1.5% commission per trade. The minimum transaction costs $1.16. Users access cryptocurrency services without external exchanges or third-party wallets.

Why This Matters

BPCE's launch represents competition between traditional banks and crypto-friendly fintech companies. CCN reports that Revolut, Deblock, Bitstack, and Trade Republic already offer digital asset access across Europe. Traditional banks must now respond to customer demand for integrated crypto services.

Several European institutions have already taken similar steps this year. BBVA allows Spanish customers to buy and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum with in-house custody. Santander's Openbank offers trading and custody for five cryptocurrencies. We reported in July 2025 that Deutsche Bank confirmed plans for crypto custody services launching in 2026 through a Bitpanda partnership.

The phased approach allows BPCE to monitor service performance before full-scale deployment. A bank insider told The Big Whale that gradual expansion helps evaluate technical infrastructure and customer response. This strategy reduces operational risks while building institutional knowledge.

Industry Implications

European banks face pressure to adapt as cryptocurrency becomes mainstream financial infrastructure. PYMNTS notes that customer preferences are evolving toward digital-first and crypto-integrated financial services. Banks that fail to offer these services risk losing market share to more agile competitors.

The regulatory environment has enabled this expansion. Europe's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation provides clear guidelines for banks offering digital asset services. MiCA became fully effective in December 2024, giving financial institutions confidence to develop compliant crypto products. This framework addresses institutional security requirements while reducing operational risks.

BPCE's move could accelerate adoption among other French and European banks. Smaller regional banks may face challenges competing against larger institutions with established crypto infrastructure. However, partnership models with fintech firms or crypto startups could provide affordable access to necessary technology.

France recently approved an amendment extending its wealth tax to cover digital assets. Individuals holding more than $2.3 million in crypto face a new 1% flat tax. This regulatory development adds complexity to the French crypto landscape. Banks offering integrated crypto services may help customers navigate these new tax requirements more effectively.