Groupe BPCE, one of France’s largest banks, plans to offer its customers Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investment services in 2025.

This initiative will be executed through its subsidiary, Hexarq, which recently secured PSAN (Prestataire de Services sur Actifs Numériques) authorization from France’s financial markets regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF).

Groupe BPCE Aligns with MiCA, Offers Crypto Through Hexarq in 2025

Hexarq is now the second bank-affiliated crypto entity in France to receive this authorization, following SG Forge. This approval permits Hexarq to legally hold, buy, sell, and exchange digital assets in the country.

The bank aims to broaden its consumer base and improve customer loyalty by integrating these services into an app developed by Hexarq. The app will eventually target clients of its Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne networks – France’s largest banking groups.

Established in 2021, Hexarq will lead BPCE’s first expansion into digital assets. This marks a significant shift from the group’s previously cautious stance on cryptocurrencies. This move also aligns with France’s proactive approach to cryptocurrency regulation.

The AMF began accepting applications for crypto service licenses under the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation in July. All of the comprehensive MiCA regulations will take effect on December 30. This positions France as a leader in implementing crypto regulatory frameworks within the European Union.

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Author: Farah Ibrahim