France’s Groupe BPCE, the nation’s second-largest banking group, has begun rolling out bitcoin buying and selling for its clients, marking a big shift towards mainstream adoption of digital belongings in European banking.
Bpce introduces phased bitcoin entry
Beginning this week, 2 million clients of BPCE’s Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne can now purchase bitcoin, USDC, and different cash immediately from their commonplace banking apps.
The financial institution plans to broaden this characteristic to all 12 million customers by 2026.
Buying and selling is facilitated by way of a devoted digital asset account operated by BPCE’s subsidiary Hexarq, with a €2.99 month-to-month cost and a 1.5% transaction price (minimal €1 per commerce).
Regulatory approval and trade shift
Hexarq has obtained PSAN/CASP regulatory approval, granting it authorized authority to supply digital asset providers in France.
This launch is consistent with the broader adoption of MiCA laws throughout Europe, which intention to standardize and safe digital asset buying and selling.
Over 65 European corporations have obtained related licenses since 2025, indicating rising institutional acceptance of bitcoin as a monetary asset.
Decrease limitations for retail buyers
Beforehand, shopping for bitcoin in France sometimes required navigating separate exchanges and self-custody options.
Now, BPCE clients can spend money on bitcoin inside an app they already belief, considerably decreasing entry limitations for brand spanking new customers.
This ease of entry might encourage wider participation within the bitcoin market, although specialists warn that value volatility stays a threat.