Many stock brokers now offer Bitcoin and other crypto — but the custody model, fees, and regulatory protection differ significantly from dedicated crypto exchanges. We evaluate the brokers that actually make this work well.
Crypto spread / transaction fee
Number of supported cryptocurrencies
Custody model (exchange vs broker)
MiCA / regulatory compliance
Staking availability
Combined stock + crypto account
Should I buy crypto through a stock broker or a dedicated crypto exchange?
The key difference is custody. A dedicated exchange usually gives you a wallet you can withdraw from; a broker typically holds crypto as a synthetic position or CFD — you don't own the underlying coin and can't transfer it. If you want true ownership and the ability to move coins off-platform, a dedicated exchange is the right structure. If you just want price exposure in a regulated, insured account you already use for stocks, a broker is more convenient.
How are crypto gains taxed in Germany, UK, and the Netherlands?
Tax treatment differs significantly. In Germany, crypto held over 12 months is tax-free on disposal; shorter holds are taxed as personal income. In the UK, crypto gains are subject to Capital Gains Tax. In the Netherlands, crypto is treated as a box 3 asset, taxed on assumed yield regardless of actual gains. These rules affect whether holding on a broker vs an exchange matters for your tax reporting.
What does MiCA regulation mean for crypto brokers in Europe?
MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) is the EU's framework that requires crypto service providers to be licensed from 2024 onward. It mandates disclosure, segregation of client assets, and governance rules — similar to what MiFID II did for securities. Brokers already licensed under MiFID II are generally in a stronger position to comply with MiCA than unregulated crypto-only platforms.
