KBC, Belgium's largest bank-insurance group, has selected Taurus, a Switzerland-based company, as its custody partner for crypto assets.
This selection comes as the bank launches regulated crypto trading through Bolero, its online platform for self-directed investors. The move makes KBC the first Belgium-based bank to offer crypto trading within a fully regulated banking framework.
The crypto offering became available to private investors in Belgium as of the week of 16 February 2026, covering Bitcoin and Ether on an execution-only basis. Trading is conducted in line with applicable EU regulation, including the MiCAR framework, and is accompanied by mandatory risk disclosures and investor education materials.
Custody infrastructure and operating model
Custody is provided through Taurus-PROTECT, Taurus' institutional digital asset custody platform, which enables secure safekeeping of crypto assets within a controlled and auditable environment. The platform integrates with KBC's existing risk management, compliance, and operational frameworks, enabling the bank to maintain full oversight.
The partnership supports a closed operating model in which crypto assets bought and sold via Bolero remain within the platform. This structure is designed to mitigate operational, fraud, and security risks and removes the need for clients to manage private keys or interact with external crypto exchanges directly.
The launch reflects growing client demand for regulated crypto access through established financial institutions, a trend that has accelerated following the introduction of MiCAR, which provides a harmonised regulatory framework for crypto-asset services across EU member states.
Erik Luts at KBC Group noted that client interest in crypto assets has been growing for several years, and that the Taurus partnership enables the bank to offer crypto services with the same level of security, governance, and control applied across its broader operations.
Lamine Brahimi, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Taurus, said KBC's approach demonstrates that regulated crypto services require banking-grade technology, describing the initiative as market-first in Belgium.
