Keytrade Bank

TLDR

Keytrade Bank was a Brussels-based online banking pioneer, founded by Jean and José Zurstrassen, acquired by Crédit Agricole, and considered a Fintech avant la lettre.

Overview

Keytrade Bank pioneered online banking in Belgium before the term "Fintech" existed, earning it the retrospective label of "Fintech avant la lettre." Originally launched in 1998 under the name VMS-Keytrade as Belgium's first online investment site, it was founded by Jean Zurstrassen and Jose Zurstrassen and established a model for digital-first banking in the Belgian market.

In 2005, the bank was acquired by Crédit Agricole and became a 100% subsidiary. In June 2016, ownership transferred again and Keytrade Bank became part of the Crédit Mutuel Arkéa Group, under which it continues to operate.

Key People

• Jean Zurstrassen - Co-founder
• Jose Zurstrassen - Co-founder

Sources

• Omar Mohout, "How Brussels became Belgium's most surprising startup city" (Apr 2026)
• Keytrade Bank, "Our story" page
• Wikipedia: Keytrade Bank