BPCE, France’s second-largest banking group, has officially introduced cryptocurrency trading within its retail banking apps — a milestone that brings digital assets directly into the country’s mainstream financial system. Through Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, millions of French clients will now be able to buy and hold major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana without leaving their traditional banking environment.

The move positions BPCE as one of the largest global banks to integrate crypto trading at scale, marking a significant evolution in the relationship between traditional finance and digital assets.

Crypto Trading Integrated Into Banking Apps

BPCE’s rollout allows users to access cryptocurrencies directly inside the same mobile apps they use for everyday banking. The offering is launching in phases, initially targeting retail clients across France.
BPCE’s digital-asset arm, Hexarq, is handling the crypto infrastructure, while senior leadership — including Nicolas Namias, Chairman of the Management Board — oversees the integration strategy.

The addition of crypto marks one of the most significant product expansions in French retail banking, signaling stronger institutional acceptance of digital assets in regulated environments.

Retail Impact: Direct Access to BTC, ETH, SOL

French retail customers will now have convenient access to:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ether (ETH)
• Solana (SOL)

Notably, the service does not include memecoins, DeFi governance tokens, or higher-risk digital assets — reinforcing BPCE’s cautious, compliance-driven approach.

The integration improves France’s fiat on-ramp infrastructure and gives mainstream users a simplified introduction to digital assets without needing external crypto exchanges.

Regulatory Alignment and Compliance

The offering aligns with France’s regulatory framework for Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs), requiring registration with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). By staying within structured regulatory requirements, BPCE ensures consumer protection while expanding investment access.

Cécile Ferrandez-Paugam, Head of Digital and Innovation / Payments & Digital at BPCE, said:
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation and meeting our customers’ growing interest in digital assets.”

Broader Market Implications

BPCE’s entrance into crypto trading could meaningfully influence adoption across France’s financial sector. The scale of BPCE’s retail presence makes it one of the most impactful banking-driven crypto integrations to date, potentially inspiring similar moves by European banking peers.

The initiative mirrors earlier digital-asset programs launched by institutions such as BBVA Switzerland, but BPCE differentiates itself through its broader retail focus and full in-app integration.

South Korea is preparing a sweeping regulatory overhaul that would hold cryptocurrency exchanges to the same liability standards as banks. The proposed rules come in response to the recent security breach at Upbit and a growing pattern of system failures across the country’s digital asset trading platforms.

According to The Korea Times, citing government officials and industry analysts, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reviewing new provisions that would impose no-fault, bank-level compensation requirements on crypto exchanges. Under this model, platforms would be required to reimburse customers for losses due to hacks, outages or system errors — even if the exchange was not directly at fault.

Currently, this no-fault framework applies only to banks and electronic payment providers under Korea’s Electronic Financial Transactions Act.

Upbit Hack Triggers Regulatory Escalation

The regulatory push follows the Nov. 27 Upbit incident, where more than 104 billion KRW worth of Solana-based tokens — approximately $30.1 million — were transferred to external wallets within an hour. Upbit’s operator, Dunamu, has since faced scrutiny not only for the breach but also for the delayed reporting of the incident.

Lawmakers noted that although the hack was detected shortly after 5 a.m., the exchange did not notify the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) until nearly 11 a.m. Some have alleged that the delay may have been intentional, occurring minutes after Dunamu finalized a merger deal with Naver Financial.

Recurring System Failures Amplify Concerns

New data submitted by the FSS shows that South Korea’s five largest exchanges — Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and Gopax — recorded 20 system failures since 2023, impacting more than 900 users and causing over 5 billion KRW in combined losses.
Upbit alone reported six failures, affecting over 600 customers.

The upcoming legislative revision is expected to introduce:

• Stricter IT security and operational requirements
• Heightened accountability standards
• Penalties of up to 3% of annual revenue for hacking incidents — aligning crypto exchanges with banks

Currently, exchanges face a maximum fine of only $3.4 million, a fraction of what banks can be penalized.

Stablecoin Legislation Also Under Pressure

In parallel with the exchange liability overhaul, lawmakers are pushing regulators to finalize a draft stablecoin bill by Dec. 10. As reported by Cointelegraph, legislators warned they will advance the bill without government input if the deadline is missed.
The goal is to bring the proposal to debate during the National Assembly’s extraordinary session in January 2026.

Coinbase has officially reopened its doors to Indian users, marking a major milestone for the country’s crypto ecosystem after a two-year service suspension. The relaunch, first reported by Bitcoin World, signals a renewed commitment from one of the world’s most influential exchanges to one of its fastest-growing digital asset markets. For India’s millions of crypto users, Coinbase’s return represents a fresh opportunity to access global liquidity and secure trading infrastructure.

What the Coinbase Relaunch Means for Indian Users

In its initial phase, Coinbase India now supports crypto-to-crypto trading, allowing users to swap assets—such as exchanging Ethereum for Solana—directly on the platform.
However, INR deposits and direct crypto purchases using fiat are not yet available.

This phased rollout gives Coinbase time to re-establish operations while ensuring compliance with India’s evolving regulatory framework.

Fiat Purchases Expected in 2025

Coinbase has outlined a clear expansion roadmap. The most anticipated upgrade is support for INR transactions, planned for next year. Once introduced, users will be able to deposit rupees and buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum directly—significantly broadening accessibility for newcomers and seasoned traders alike.

Why Coinbase Originally Paused Services

The 2022 exit was driven by regulatory uncertainty and disruptions with local payment partners. India’s stance on digital assets was still shifting, complicating stable operations.
Coinbase’s decision to return reflects a renewed confidence in the maturing regulatory environment and India’s long-term potential as a global crypto hub.

Benefits for Indian Crypto Traders

Coinbase’s comeback offers several advantages:

• Global-Grade Access: Indian users can tap into a reputable exchange recognized worldwide for compliance and security.
• Broader Asset Variety: Coinbase traditionally lists a wide selection of cryptocurrencies, including major assets and emerging altcoins.
• Improved Liquidity: Integration with global markets may enhance trade execution and depth.
• Future Fiat On-Ramps: Once live, INR deposits will lower barriers to entry for millions of users.

Remaining Challenges

Despite optimism, Coinbase must still navigate India’s dynamic regulatory climate. Local competitors that continued operating during Coinbase’s absence also hold a strong position. To regain market share, Coinbase will need to demonstrate reliability, seamless user experience, and long-term commitment—especially once fiat services roll out.

How Indian Investors Should Respond

For now, users can explore crypto-to-crypto trading while monitoring updates on INR support. As always, traders should assess risks, stay aware of market volatility, and follow regulatory guidance.

A New Chapter for India’s Crypto Market

Coinbase’s return is more than a business decision—it’s a signal of confidence in India’s digital asset future. Starting with crypto swaps and moving toward full fiat functionality, this relaunch could spark broader adoption and innovation across the country’s digital finance sector.