Major French bank BPCE launches cryptocurrency trading

French banking group Banque Populaire and Caisse d'Épargne (BPCE), one of the country's four largest banks, announced the launch of a new service that will allow retail clients to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Starting December 8, 2025, users will be able to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USDC stablecoins through mobile apps and dedicated brokerage accounts.

Access to Cryptocurrencies

In the initial phase, direct access to digital asset purchases will be provided only to clients of four of the 29 regional credit institutions that make up BPCE. This decision is aimed at testing the new service and assessing its popularity among clients. If the pilot project is successful, the bank plans to expand access to the service to all 12 million clients of the group by 2026.

Account Management and Legal Compliance

Cryptocurrency trading will be organized through mobile banking apps, and brokerage accounts will be managed by BPCE's subsidiary, Hexarq. This company is licensed under the European Union's MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulation, allowing it to legally operate in the EU market. Hexarq will handle the opening and maintenance of client accounts, the purchase and sale of digital assets for fiat currency, and the storage and exchange of tokens.

Cost of Services

BPCE will charge a fixed fee of €2.99 (approximately $3.48) per month for settlement and cash management of cryptocurrency brokerage accounts, plus a 1.5% commission on each transaction. This will allow clients to conveniently manage their crypto assets without leaving their familiar banking app.

Cryptocurrency Taxation

It's worth noting that in November 2025, the French National Assembly approved an amendment to the Tax Code introducing a new tax on "unproductive wealth," which now officially includes digital assets. This means that all cryptocurrency savings held by French residents will be included in the taxable base, which could impact interest in cryptocurrency trading.

In Conclusion

The launch of cryptocurrency trading at BPCE is a significant step for the French banking sector and could send an important signal to other financial institutions. Given the growing interest in digital assets, this initiative could attract new clients and strengthen the bank's market position.