Bunq, Europe’s Second-Largest Neobank, Expands Into Crypto: What It Means for Investors
Introduction: A Bold Move Into Digital Assets
Europe’s second-largest neobank, Bunq, is making waves with its expansion into cryptocurrency. With over 12.5 million users, the Amsterdam-based fintech giant is responding to surging demand for digital assets by launching Bunq Crypto, a feature allowing users to invest in over 300 cryptocurrencies directly through its app. But what does this mean for the future of banking and crypto adoption?
Why Bunq’s Crypto Expansion Matters
Bunq’s entry into the crypto space isn’t just another banking feature—it’s a strategic move reflecting broader trends in finance. Here’s why this development is significant:
1. Meeting Retail Investor Demand
Bunq CEO Ali Niknam told Cointelegraph that the decision was driven by overwhelming client interest. “We believe that now many, many people, the large majority, are interested in crypto, and they want to buy it through an environment they trust,” he said. Research commissioned by Bunq supports this, showing that:
- 65% of European consumers want a unified platform for banking and crypto.
- Over 50% of investors find existing crypto platforms too complex or insecure.
2. Regulatory Green Lights
Niknam highlighted that clearer regulations made this expansion possible: “The future of crypto was unclear, but we’ve seen enough regulatory progress to offer this safely.” This aligns with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which provides guidelines for crypto services.
3. Partnership With Kraken
Bunq isn’t building its crypto infrastructure from scratch. Instead, it’s leveraging Kraken, the 14th-largest global crypto exchange by volume, to power its trading services. This ensures liquidity and security for users.
The Bigger Trend: All-in-One Financial Platforms
Bunq’s move mirrors a seismic shift in finance: the rise of super-app banking. Traditional and digital banks alike are racing to consolidate services—checking accounts, savings, investments, and now crypto—into single platforms.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong predicted this trend in a February X (Twitter) post, envisioning a future where users manage all finances through one primary account. Bunq is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift.
Phase One Rollout: Where Bunq Crypto Is Available
Initially, Bunq Crypto is launching in:
- Netherlands
- France
- Spain
- Ireland
- Italy
- Belgium
The bank plans to expand across the European Economic Area, followed by the U.S. and U.K.
How Bunq Stacks Up Against Competitors
Bunq isn’t the first neobank to embrace crypto. Revolut, another European giant, expanded its crypto services to 30 markets in late 2024. However, Bunq differentiates itself with:
- A broader selection of 300+ cryptocurrencies (compared to Revolut’s 100+).
- Tighter integration with traditional banking features.
- A focus on user trust and regulatory compliance.
What Users Can Expect
For Bunq customers, the experience is designed to be seamless:
- Buy/sell crypto directly in the Bunq app.
- Track portfolios alongside traditional assets.
- No need for separate exchange accounts.
Niknam emphasized: “Now, everything users need to save, spend, and invest—including crypto—is on one platform.”
Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Crypto Adoption
Bunq’s expansion into crypto signals a tipping point. As major financial institutions integrate digital assets, barriers to entry crumble for everyday investors. For those hesitant about crypto’s complexity, trusted platforms like Bunq could be the bridge to mainstream adoption.
Actionable Takeaway: If you’re a Bunq user in an eligible country, explore its crypto features—but always research assets before investing. For others, watch this space: as neobanks lead the charge, traditional banks may soon follow.
