The banking group of France BPCE announces its debut in investment services in Bitcoin and crypto in 2025. Through Hexarq, the bank aims to consolidate its position in the regulated digital assets market.
Let’s see all the details in this article.
Hexarq, controlled by French bank BPCE, obtains PSAN authorization to operate in crypto
As expected, the French banking giant BPCE has formalized its entry into the cryptocurrency market, announcing the launch of investment services in Bitcoin and other digital assets for 2025.
The move will be carried out through the subsidiary Hexarq, which recently obtained PSAN (Digital Asset Service Provider) approval from the Financial Markets Authority (AMF), the French financial markets supervisory body.
This license, essential to legally operate in the digital assets sector in France, allows Hexarq to hold, buy, sell and exchange cryptocurrencies.
With this approval, Hexarq becomes the second bank in France to obtain PSAN operator status, like SG Forge.
Created in 2021, Hexarq was chosen to lead the development of BPCE in the bullish sector of digital assets.
The subsidiary will develop a innovative platformavailable via a dedicated application, which will be integrated into the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Épargne networks, two pillars of the banking group.
The offer aims to meet growing customer demand for services linked to cryptocurrencies, while strengthening BPCE customer loyalty.
A source close to the bank confirmed that this initiative represents a strategic step to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.
France: European leader in crypto regulation
France positions itself as one of the most proactive countries in adopting regulations for the cryptocurrency sector.
With the introduction of the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation, the country has paved the way for the supervision of digital asset service providers in the European Union.
The AMF began receiving applications for VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) authorizations on July 1, 2024, in anticipation of the entry into force of MiCA on December 30, 2024.
This regulatory framework has attracted leading companies such as the stock exchange Gemini, which recently obtained its registration in France to expand its presence in the European market.
BPCE’s entry into the cryptocurrency sector is emblematic of a broader trend: traditional financial institutions are gradually turning to digital assets to remain relevant in a broader context. transform the financial landscape.
With the integration of crypto services into its offering, BPCE could attract a new generation of clients interested in innovative and diversified investments.
Additionally, the Hexarq platform represents an opportunity to educate customers about cryptocurrencies, while providing a regulated and secure investment environment.
Competition and regulatory context
Hexarq will find itself competing with players already established in the market, such as SG Forge, but the support of BPCE and its strategic approach could constitute a competitive advantage.
Furthermore, the implementation of MiCA could ensure greater stability and transparencypromoting the growth of the crypto sector in the EU.
According to experts, the adoption of cryptocurrencies by large banking establishments like BPCE could also accelerate the global regulatory process, pushing other countries to develop similar regulatory frameworks.
In other words, BPCE’s announcement marks a crucial moment for the banking and cryptocurrency sector.
If successfully implemented, the Hexarq project could not only strengthen the banking group’s position in France, but also serve as a model for other institutions wishing to enter the digital asset market.
As 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on BPCE and Hexarq to assess the impact of this initiative on the cryptocurrency landscape and the relationship between traditional banks and digital assets.
