Blockrise CEO Says Goal Is to Build a Bitcoin Bank to Replace Traditional Banks

Bitcoin-based financial services companies are expanding beyond exchanges and custody into banking, with a Bitcoin-focused financial platform that could replace traditional banks emerging as the industry's next growth phase.

Blockrise Chief Executive Officer Jos Lazet told The Block on June 11 at the BTC Prague event that the company's ultimate goal is to build a Bitcoin bank.

The crypto industry has recently rolled out products that combine traditional financial functions with digital assets, including Bitcoin-backed loans, payment cards and deposit services. The trend underscores how Bitcoin-native companies are evolving beyond basic trading platforms into full-service financial firms.

Blockrise recently launched a Bitcoin-friendly account service that supports International Bank Account Numbers, or IBANs. The company is also weighing a subscription model similar to that of European fintech company Revolut, according to The Block.

Lazet said the key difference between existing neobanks and Bitcoin-based financial platforms is control over assets. Today's neobanks are merely optimized versions of traditional banks. They offer more features, but they do not challenge the system itself.

The opportunity for the industry, he said, is to create what he called an "anarchistic neobank." That would allow users to hold and control their own assets while still using everyday banking services.

Lazet also said Bitcoin adoption in the Netherlands is approaching an all-time high. Institutional acceptance is rising despite tighter regulation and debate over capital gains taxes.

Market prices do not yet reflect that trend, but Bitcoin adoption is near peak levels, he said. Dutch banks also support spot Bitcoin ETFs.

If awareness of Bitcoin continues to spread, the Netherlands could become one of Europe's leading Bitcoin countries, he added.