Dutch Neobank Bunq Takes on Revolut With Crypto Trading Launch in Six EU Countries

Irish users of Bunq can now trade cryptocurrencies directly from their banking app, as the Dutch neobank launches its digital asset platform in six European countries.

“Our users across the world have long waited for a simple, safe, and straightforward way to invest in digital assets, says Ali Niknam, founder and CEO of bunq. “Now, everything they will ever need to save, spend, and invest, including crypto, is on one platform.”

As of tonight…we’re introducing Crypto! ₿ 🚀Powered by Kraken, ease into the world of digital currencies directly from your bunq app — from buying to selling, it's just a tap away. Explore a wide range of cryptocurrencies safely and start today! 💸Disclaimer: Not investment… pic.twitter.com/w3emuLLT6m

The move signals Bunq’s intent to challenge Revolut and tap into rising demand for streamlined financial services, including crypto.

Ireland Among First to Get Access

Starting Tuesday, users in Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium reportedly gained access to Bunq Crypto, a new feature that allows trading of over 300 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Solana.

The platform is part of Bunq’s strategy to evolve into an all-in-one financial service, combining banking, saving, and investing into a single interface. Bunq also announced plans last year to launch its offering in the UK, describing the region as having a notable number of digital nomads. The neobank is now pursuing an E-Money Institution license in the UK.

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“Our users across the world have long waited for a simple, safe, and straightforward way to invest in digital assets, commented Niknam. Now, everything they will ever need to save, spend, and invest, including crypto, is on one platform.”

The rollout is powered by Kraken, one of the world’s largest centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. The launch positions Bunq against established players like Revolut, which extended its crypto services across 30 European markets last year.

User Demand and Regulatory Challenges

The launch aligns with broader industry trends. Bunq’s own research shows that 65% of Europeans want to manage banking, savings, and crypto in one app. Over half of the respondents said they want crypto exposure but find current platforms too complex or insecure.

Kijk, dat is leuk om te zien: ons eigen Bunq op CNBC, met hun expansie naar de VS.Met Adyen, Mollie, Bunq en anderen hebben we als klein landje niets te klagen over onze fintechbedrijven. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/S9c6QY505X

The current rollout marks only the first phase. Bunq plans to expand crypto trading to the United States. The expansion underscores Bunq’s ambition to offer a full-service financial platform as retail interest in crypto grows.

Bunq has already filed for broker-dealer registration in the US. If approved, the authorization will enable the firm to offer most of its services in the region, except for savings accounts.