BPCE, France's Major Bank, Set to Launch In-App Crypto Trading

French banking giant BPCE is gearing up to introduce cryptocurrency trading to millions of its retail customers, marking a significant step for traditional European banks in the digital asset landscape.

Key Takeaways

BPCE will allow its retail customers to trade cryptocurrencies, starting with select regional banks.
The initial rollout will reach approximately 2 million customers, with plans to expand to all 12 million retail clients by 2026.
Crypto trading will be facilitated through dedicated digital asset accounts within BPCE's banking apps, with associated fees and commissions.
The move comes amid increasing competition in Europe between traditional banks and crypto-focused fintech companies.
A recent amendment to France's wealth tax could impact crypto holdings considered "unproductive assets."

BPCE Launches In-App Crypto Trading

BPCE Introduces Paid In-App Crypto Accounts

As part of the plan, customers will be able to buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through a specialized digital asset account integrated within the BPCE banking apps. This service will be managed by Hexarq, BPCE’s cryptocurrency subsidiary. There will be a monthly fee of €2.99 (approximately $3.48) along with a 1.5% commission for each trade, which has a minimum fee of $1.16. Users will enjoy the convenience of utilizing this service without the need for external exchanges or third-party wallets.

BPCE's initiative reflects a growing trend in Europe, where traditional banks face stiff competition from cryptocurrency-friendly fintech companies such as Revolut, Deblock, Bitstack, and Trade Republic, which are already providing access to digital assets.

Several other European banks have begun adopting similar strategies: BBVA allows its Spanish customers to directly buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ether within its app, supported by its in-house custody. Santander’s digital branch Openbank offers trading and custody for five different cryptocurrencies, while Raiffeisen Bank's unit in Vienna has teamed up with Bitpanda to deliver crypto services to its retail clients.

Cointelegraph has reached out to BPCE for further clarification but has yet to receive a response as of this publication.

France's New Tax on Crypto as “Unproductive Wealth”

Recently, French lawmakers narrowly approved an amendment to extend the country's wealth tax to include "unproductive assets." This encompasses various assets such as real estate, luxury items, and digital assets including cryptocurrencies.

Under this amendment, individuals holding over $2.3 million in qualifying "unproductive wealth" will be subject to a new flat tax rate of 1%. Previously, this tax structure was progressive, focusing mainly on real estate wealth. The amended proposal is pending Senate approval as part of the 2026 budget process before it can be enacted into law.

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