BPCE Rolls Out Bitcoin Trading to 2 Million French Customers via Mobile Apps

• BPCE enables direct crypto trading: Customers can now purchase and trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC through the bank’s mobile applications.

• Initial phase rollout: The service launches for two million clients in four regional banks, with full expansion planned for 2026.

• Regulatory compliance: Powered by Hexarq, the service adheres to France’s PSAN status and EU’s MiCA framework amid ongoing crypto tax debates.

Discover BPCE cryptocurrency trading: Buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC in your mobile app. France’s second-largest bank integrates crypto services—explore how this bridges traditional finance and digital assets today. (148 characters)

What is BPCE Cryptocurrency Trading?

BPCE cryptocurrency trading refers to the new service launched by French banking group BPCE, enabling customers to buy, sell, and hold major digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC directly within its mobile banking applications. Starting December 8, 2025, this initiative is managed by the bank’s regulated subsidiary, Hexarq, which holds the necessary PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques) status in France. The service aims to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday banking, providing seamless access for millions of users while ensuring full regulatory compliance under the European Union’s MiCA framework.

The introduction of BPCE cryptocurrency trading marks a significant step for one of Europe’s largest financial institutions, which oversees approximately €1.6 trillion in assets. By embedding crypto functionalities into existing apps, BPCE eliminates the need for third-party platforms, reducing friction for users transitioning from traditional finance to digital assets. This move reflects broader institutional adoption trends in Europe, where regulatory clarity is fostering innovation in financial services.

How Does Hexarq Enable BPCE’s Crypto Services?

Hexarq, BPCE’s dedicated cryptocurrency subsidiary, powers the operational backbone of these services, handling everything from transaction processing to custody and compliance. Established with regulatory approval nearly a year ago, Hexarq ensures that all trades meet stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards, as required by French and EU authorities. For instance, the platform supports real-time pricing and secure wallet integration, allowing users to monitor their crypto holdings alongside fiat accounts.

Experts in the field, such as those from regulatory bodies like the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), have noted that subsidiaries like Hexarq represent a “safe harbor” for banks entering the crypto space. According to AMF guidelines, PSAN-licensed entities must maintain segregated client assets and undergo regular audits, which Hexarq adheres to rigorously. This setup not only protects customers but also positions BPCE as a leader in compliant crypto integration. The service includes a €2.99 monthly fee for account access and a 1.5% transaction fee, making it competitively priced for retail investors. As of the launch, initial data suggests high interest, with projections indicating potential growth to over 10 million users by the end of 2026 if the pilot succeeds.

BPCE now allows customers to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC within its mobile apps.

Key Highlights

• BPCE has begun allowing customers to buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC directly through its mobile apps.
• The service is operated by the bank’s regulated subsidiary, Hexarq, with an initial rollout to two million clients across four regional banks.
• The launch aligns with Europe’s MiCA regulatory push and comes amid a national debate over a potential new French tax on crypto assets.

French bank BPCE, which manages about €1.6 trillion in assets, has begun implementing direct cryptocurrency trading for its clients. The services will start on December 8.

The move enables millions of customers to trade major digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC directly in the bank’s existing mobile applications.

This rollout is made possible through Hexarq, the French banking group’s officially licensed crypto unit, which gives Europe a leap toward integrating cryptocurrency transactions into mainstream banking infrastructure. It also reflects the region’s rising regulatory embrace of digital finance.

The launch phase aims at an initial customer base of about two million clients across four of the group’s regional banks, including entities such as Banque Populaire Île-de-France and Caisse d’Épargne Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

Rollout Strategy and Customer Access

Full deployment to all 29 regional banks within the BPCE group is planned for 2026, pending positive results and metrics from this early launch. Customers will access the service by opening a dedicated digital asset account via their existing mobile apps, with a monthly service charge of €2.99. There is a fee of 1.5% on trading transactions.

Hexarq, the bank’s crypto-focused division, is in charge of the operational part of the platform. It obtained the required regulatory clearance, otherwise known as PSAN status, nearly a year ago. This means the service operates under France’s established compliance framework for digital asset service providers.

BPCE is the second-largest financial institution in France, and its entry into the crypto sphere highlights an increasing institutional acknowledgment of digital assets across Europe. This launch coincides with the rapid implementation of MiCA across the European Union.

France has put itself in the lead as a proactive jurisdiction adopting and enacting new European regulatory standards, drawing the attention of and receiving approvals from major global exchanges and service providers.

This regulatory clarity push has created the right environment wherein large domestic banks, such as BPCE, can confidently introduce digital asset services to their considerable customer bases. The move to go live after months of internal preparation and regulatory clearance makes BPCE a bridge between TradFi and the crypto market.

Market Context and Future Implications

The performance of the two-million-user rollout will determine the pace and scope of the group’s full expansion in 2026, possibly adding millions more customers with crypto services.

This could set a precedent for other major European financial players to act similarly if the model proves successful, further erasing the demarcation line between traditional banking services and the trading of digital assets. The launch comes amidst a developing political discourse in France about the taxation of digital wealth.

The French National Assembly recently passed a plan to put an “unproductive wealth” tax on crypto assets amid deliberations of the 2026 national budget. The final status of this tax, now debated and reviewed in the French Senate, can affect the profitability and attractiveness of investing in digital assets for BPCE customers from early 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start BPCE cryptocurrency trading with just my mobile app?

Yes, BPCE cryptocurrency trading is fully integrated into the bank’s mobile apps, allowing eligible customers to open a digital asset account and begin buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or USDC immediately after verification. The process requires standard KYC checks and incurs a €2.99 monthly fee plus 1.5% per trade, ensuring secure and straightforward access without additional downloads. (47 words)

What cryptocurrencies are available through BPCE’s Hexarq services?

Through BPCE’s Hexarq services, you can trade Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and USDC, which are selected for their liquidity and regulatory compliance. These assets provide a balanced entry point for beginners and experienced users alike, with real-time market data and secure custody features to support informed decisions in the evolving digital finance landscape. (52 words)

Key Takeaways

• Seamless Integration: BPCE’s mobile app now supports direct crypto trading, simplifying access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC for everyday banking users.
• Regulatory Foundation: Backed by Hexarq’s PSAN status and MiCA compliance, the service ensures safety and aligns with Europe’s push for standardized digital asset rules.
• Expansion Potential: Starting with two million clients, successful rollout could extend to millions more in 2026, influencing broader institutional crypto adoption.

Conclusion

BPCE’s launch of cryptocurrency trading services through Hexarq represents a pivotal moment in bridging traditional banking and digital assets in France and Europe. With a focus on compliance, accessibility, and user-centric design, this initiative not only empowers customers to engage with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC but also signals accelerating institutional confidence amid MiCA’s rollout and ongoing tax discussions. As the pilot unfolds, stay informed on how these developments could reshape personal finance—consider exploring your options with BPCE today for a secure entry into the crypto market.

TAGGED: Crypto Trading France