BPCE subsidiary Hexarq earns French regulatory approval to launch crypto services, expanding digital asset access for 35 million customers.
Groupe BPCE has taken significant strides in shaping the digital asset landscape in France, as its subsidiary, Hexarq, recently obtained regulatory approval to offer cryptocurrency services. This development is poised to provide enhanced access to digital assets for an impressive customer base of 35 million people, marking a pivotal shift in the banking sector within the country.
BPCE Advances Crypto Integration Across Retail Networks
Hexarq’s authorization by the AMF (Autorité des marchés financiers) marks a significant regulatory milestone, aligning with France’s stringent guidelines related to digital assets. This achievement positions BPCE as only the second major French bank to secure such status, following in the footsteps of SG Forge.
JUST IN: €1.6 trillion banking giant BPCE now allows its customers to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. pic.twitter.com/irbf8tckoL
— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) December 6, 2025
Moreover, this regulatory approval is a cornerstone for BPCE’s broader ambitions, specifically in offering Bitcoin-linked services to Junto’s customer bases, including Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne. As France’s crypto ecosystem swiftly evolves, developments like this underscore the importance of regulatory frameworks supporting responsible innovation.
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Initial service rollouts began as of December 2025, with select regional entities granted early access. BPCE’s focus remains on a gradual implementation, anticipating full-scale access by 2026. This methodical approach is designed to mitigate operational risks while enhancing their digital services portfolio, driven by increasing consumer demand for regulated crypto access through familiar banking applications.
Hexarq Targets Broader Adoption Through Retail Channels
As the rollout progresses, customers will be able to seamlessly buy, sell, and swap popular assets like Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and USDC, all within their existing mobile banking applications. Fee structures have been set at 1.5% of the transaction amount, with a minimum charge of 1 euro, and a monthly account fee of 2.99 euros. This pricing model reflects BPCE’s commitment to providing user-friendly and compliant digital asset solutions.
Aiming to retain clients who might otherwise seek services from external crypto platforms, this initiative prioritizes customer loyalty. Insiders at BPCE emphasize that retention is central to the project’s vision. Applying this strategy also aligns with a rising consumer demand for secure and reliable digital asset access, a necessity for banks wishing to remain competitive in today’s retail banking landscape.
Regulatory Leadership Positions France Ahead of EU Rules
France is on a trajectory to be recognized as a frontrunner in the realm of digital asset regulation. The established PSAN (Prestataire de services sur actifs numériques) framework resonates closely with the EU’s forthcoming MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations, designed to unify the regulatory environment across member states. By achieving compliance with PSAN standards, BPCE not only ensures compliance with national laws but also positions itself advantageously within a broader European context.
In parallel, BPCE’s investment bank, Natixis, is carving out its niche by focusing on tokenized financial instruments and market infrastructure, differentiating itself from retail holdings. This dual approach enhances BPCE’s capacity to cater to varied market demands, ensuring it remains versatile in the evolving landscape of digital finance.
Implications for Market Access and Liquidity
As Hexarq continues its phased rollout, analysts expect these crypto services will significantly influence customer behavior within the retail banking sector. Increased access to regulated cryptocurrency options could lead to shifts in liquidity, especially as clients move their funds from unregulated exchanges to those backed by established banks.
There’s a prevailing sentiment among industry observers that large banks can offer more structured support during volatile market periods. Bank-backed digital asset services are viewed as essential for providing customers with orderly liquidation options, while also ensuring transactions occur within regulated channels.
With these efforts, BPCE is forging a new path for the banking system in France, merging traditional security measures with innovative digital solutions to empower millions of users.