French Bank BPCE Targets 2025 for Crypto Services Launch

Groupe BPCE’s subsidiary Hexarq has obtained regulatory approval in France to provide crypto services, poised to launch its digital asset offerings by 2025.

This move marks BPCE’s entry into the regulated crypto space, potentially transforming access to digital assets for its 35 million customers within established banking frameworks.

Regulatory Advances Establish France as a Crypto Leader

Groupe BPCE, France’s second-largest banking group, is making strides into digital assets. Hexarq, its digital asset subsidiary, received PSAN approval from the AMF, marking a significant regulatory milestone. The group plans to introduce Bitcoin-related services in 2025 through networks like Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne.

A notable change involves BPCE’s positioning in the crypto market, as the plan highlights the banking sector’s engagement with digital currencies. By focusing on secure and regulated integration, BPCE aims to offer a conservative approach to digital assets while ensuring compliance with French regulations.

Hexarq’s PSAN registration grants the ability to provide custody of digital assets and conduct transactions with legal tender.

— AMF (Autorité des Marchés Financiers), Regulatory Body, France

Market reactions have varied, with some viewing this as a pivotal move for institutional acceptance of Bitcoin. While official statements emphasize a 2025 launch, there’s tangible anticipation in financial circles, reflecting a gradual shift towards embracing digital currencies.

Historical Context, Price Data, and Expert Insights

Did you know? France’s AMF registered Hexarq as the second bank-operating PSAN after Société Générale’s SG Forge, highlighting a cautious expansion of crypto offerings in regulated environments. This underscores France’s regulatory openness to digital assets.

Bitcoin (BTC), with a current market cap of $1.79 trillion and a trading volume of $59.01 billion, has seen a 1.95% decrease over 24 hours as of December 6, 2025, according to CoinMarketCap. BTC holds a significant market dominance at 58.69% despite a 13.10% drop over the past 30 days.

Insights from the Coincu research team suggest regulatory clarity as a potential catalyst for wider institutional crypto adoption. BPCE’s entry could guide similar banking entities to navigate stringent regulatory landscapes. The move positions France as a leader in mainstream crypto integration, fostering balanced market evolution.