Bunq Launches In-App Crypto Trading Powered by Kraken

Dutch digital bank Bunq has introduced a crypto trading feature for users in six countries, allowing direct access to digital assets through its mobile app.

The rollout is powered by crypto exchange Kraken and went live on Tuesday in the Netherlands, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Belgium.

Branded as “bunq Crypto,” the feature is fully compliant with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations and operates under a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license. The bank plans to expand the service across the European Economic Area, and also filed for licenses to enter the U.K. and U.S. markets.

The company said the move was in response to demand from users seeking a “simple and secure way” to invest in crypto alongside traditional banking tools. Bunq cited internal research showing 65% of European consumers prefer a single platform for managing money, savings, and crypto investments.

Through Kraken’s backend infrastructure, Bunq users can trade over 300 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, directly within the banking app. Accounts can be set up in seconds, according to the firm.

“Our users have been asking for a way to invest in crypto that’s easy and secure,” said Bunq founder and CEO Ali Niknam. “Now they can do it all within one platform.”

The launch is part of a broader product update, which also includes 1% cashback for business users on both personal and professional purchases.

Founded in 2012, Bunq has grown to over 17 million users and holds more than €8 billion ($9.1 billion) in deposits. In early April, the neobank reported an 85.3-million-euro ($97.2 million) profit for the latest fiscal year — a 65% increase year-over-year. The rise was fueled by a 55% gain in net interest income and a 35% increase in net fees, driven by both higher deposit yields and broader platform usage.

Bunq, which holds a banking license in the European Union and applied for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in the U.K., previously exited the British market due to post-Brexit regulatory complications. It also filed for a U.S. broker-dealer license as it prepares to enter the American financial services space.

Meanwhile, Kraken is also expanding its offerings, having recently started a phased rollout of U.S. stock and ETF trading for American users, with plans to extend the service to European and UK customers.