Bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank, has launched Bunq Crypto, allowing users in several countries to invest in over 300 cryptocurrencies. The new service is powered by Kraken and reflects a trend among financial institutions to consolidate services. Research shows a strong demand for a unified platform, with many consumers dissatisfied with current crypto offerings. CEO Ali Niknam emphasized the importance of providing a straightforward way to manage financial activities on one platform.
Bunq, which is Europe’s second-largest neobank, is stepping into the world of cryptocurrency, driven by increased demand from retail investors globally for digital assets. The Amsterdam-based fintech revealed Bunq Crypto on April 29, allowing users to invest in over 300 cryptocurrencies, including well-known options like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Solana (SOL).
As of now, Bunq users based in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Belgium will gain direct access to these cryptocurrencies through the app, as per Cointelegraph’s report. This crypto venture is made possible through a partnership with Kraken, which is recognised as the 14th largest centralized cryptocurrency exchange worldwide based on trading volume.
This is just the beginning for Bunq’s plans to roll out crypto trading, with intentions to expand throughout the entire European Economic Area and even into the United States and the United Kingdom over time. Interestingly, Bunq has seen its user base rise dramatically, from nine million to over 12.5 million in just one year, as of June 2024.
The initiative reflects a larger trend within the financial sector, where organisations are increasingly striving to offer comprehensive services—banking, investing, and savings—all on single digital platforms. In a post from February on X, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong mentioned that he envisions future financial systems revolving around a single primary financial account for managing users’ complete financial dealings.
There is a clear demand for easier access to cryptocurrency, as research commissioned by Bunq shows a notable disparity between what’s available and consumer expectations in Europe. About 65% of European consumers want a unified platform to handle their banking, savings and cryptocurrency investments, according to the study.
Over half of the surveyed investors showed interest in gaining exposure to crypto, but they expressed dissatisfaction with current offerings, especially regarding user-friendliness and security for newcomers. “Our users around the world have long desired a straightforward and safe method to invest in digital assets,” noted Ali Niknam, Bunq’s founder and CEO. “With this launch, we provide everything needed to save, spend, and invest—including crypto—all on one platform.”
Bunq’s venture into the crypto space follows closely on the heels of a similar expansion by Revolut in November 2024, which also extended its crypto exchange services to 30 markets throughout the European Economic Area.
