Dutch neobank Bunq has officially launched a new crypto trading feature in partnership with U.S.-based exchange Kraken, allowing users in six European countries to buy and sell digital assets directly within the Bunq app. This marks a major milestone for the fintech firm as it expands its ecosystem to meet rising demand for crypto services among its 17 million users.
The integration gives Bunq customers in France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium access to more than 300 cryptocurrencies, including top assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The move supports Bunq’s broader strategy to provide an all-in-one, mobile-first banking experience.
Bunq, which reported $8 billion in user deposits in its 2024 annual report, has built a strong brand serving digital nomads and tech-savvy users who prefer borderless, flexible financial services. Its app allows users to open accounts quickly and delay tax document submissions, making it especially appealing to younger, mobile-first customers.
With Kraken’s infrastructure powering the new crypto service, Bunq joins a growing list of neobanks incorporating digital assets—competing directly with peers like Revolut and N26 in Europe’s evolving fintech race.
Bunq Growth Boosts Kraken’s Global Reach
Bunq’s ascent as a top European neobank may also benefit Kraken as the U.S. crypto exchange gears up for a potential IPO in 2025. With no physical branches and a fully digital model, Bunq has risen to become the second-largest neobank in the EU, especially following its 2022 acquisition of Belgian fintech Tricount.
Now serving 17 million users, Bunq’s integration of Kraken’s services adds scale to Kraken’s global expansion strategy. Kraken currently claims over 13 million users and could see its engagement metrics improve through this European partnership, bolstering its case to investors ahead of a potential U.S. listing.
The partnership also highlights Bunq’s expanding suite of investment tools. In 2023, the bank introduced retail investing for stocks and exchange-traded products (ETPs). CEO Ali Niknam framed the new crypto service as a seamless addition to Bunq’s all-in-one platform approach.
“Our users across the world have long waited for a simple, safe and straightforward way to invest in digital assets,” he said in a statement.
“Now, everything they will ever need to save, spend and invest–including crypto–is on one platform.”
As digital banking adoption accelerates and crypto interest grows among retail users, the Bunq-Kraken collaboration positions both firms to gain traction in a fast-evolving, innovation-led financial landscape.
Quick Facts
- Bunq has launched in-app crypto trading via Kraken, with access to 300+ digital assets.
- The service is live in six European countries, with more regions expected.
- This aligns with Bunq’s goal of integrating all financial services into one app.
