Germany is taking a monumental step forward in making cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday investors. As of February 3, 2026, ING Deutschland, one of the country’s largest retail banks, now allows its clients to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) directly in their ING Direct Depot accounts. This means German investors can enjoy exposure to these leading digital assets without the technical hurdles of managing wallets or private keys.
This strategic move by ING Bank taps into the growing demand for regulated and user-friendly crypto investment options in a country where only 9% of the population embraced cryptocurrency by 2025, lagging behind the U.S. at 12%. By integrating cryptocurrency assets into established banking and finance platforms, ING is making crypto investment as seamless as buying stocks or ETFs, thereby helping demystify digital assets for millions of retail investors in Germany.
The launch features ETPs from reputable issuers like 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck, including products that support staking for enhanced returns on some assets and index funds covering multiple cryptocurrencies. With taxation advantages linked to long-term holding, these crypto ETPs present an attractive gateway for those eager to invest for the future, while staying within trusted financial ecosystems.
For anyone exploring how to start or expand their crypto portfolio in a regulated environment, ING’s new offer exemplifies how banking institutions are bridging the gap between traditional finance and the exciting world of cryptocurrencies.
In brief:
- ING Deutschland opened access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana crypto ETPs via its Direct Depot on February 3, 2026.
- ETPs issued by 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck allow buying crypto assets without managing wallets or private keys.
- This initiative aims to boost crypto adoption in Germany, where retail penetration lags behind countries like the U.S.
- Crypto ETPs benefit from favorable tax treatment for long-term investments.
- Investors gain exposure to crypto in a regulated banking environment, minimizing complexity and risks.
How ING Bank Is Simplifying Crypto Access for German Investors
Imagine you’re interested in investing in cryptocurrency but feel daunted by the usual jargon—wallets, seed phrases, private keys. ING Deutschland has transformed this experience by integrating crypto ETPs into their well-known Direct Depot platform. This platform traditionally caters to stock and ETF traders, but now it offers a new doorway to the crypto universe.
By treating these crypto ETPs similar to shares or traditional ETFs, clients can buy and sell digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum effortlessly. The products mirror the price developments of their underlying cryptocurrencies but don’t require ownership of the coins themselves, eliminating the risks and responsibilities associated with self-custody. This bridge not only enhances investment choices but also assures clients benefit from ING’s regulatory oversight and robust security infrastructure.
Bringing Institutional Crypto Products into Retail Banking
The ETPs available come from big names like 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck, trusted providers in the crypto investment space. These products extend beyond single-asset exposure, offering indexed baskets that include several cryptocurrencies, a clever way to diversify risk.
Some ETPs even include staking features, allowing investors to earn rewards simply by holding their shares, a concept borrowed from blockchain protocols aimed at enhancing network security. This development signals a maturing market where finance and technology converge to bring institutional-grade investment vehicles to retail investors, previously restricted to qualified or large-scale investors.
Martijn Rozemuller, CEO of VanEck Europe, highlighted the significance of this advancement: “Many investors want solutions nested within existing custody frameworks with transparent cost structures. This partnership provides exactly that, offering access to cryptocurrency in familiar securities accounts.”
The Impact of Banking Regulation on Crypto Investments in Germany
Regulation is often seen as a double-edged sword, but in the world of cryptocurrency investment, it can bring much-needed clarity and investor confidence. The MiCA regulatory framework in Europe has removed previous legal doubts, allowing banks like ING to offer crypto products seamlessly to retail customers.
In Germany, the tax treatment of these crypto ETPs is aligned with the rules for holding cryptocurrency directly: profits from sales are exempt from capital gains tax if held for over a year. This tax benefit makes long-term investment in crypto via ETPs an attractive, fiscally efficient way to gain exposure to dynamic digital assets.
With these structural advantages, Germany’s retail customers—totaling millions with access via ING—are better positioned to launch or expand their cryptocurrency portfolios without straying from trusted regulatory pathways.
Addressing the Crypto Adoption Gap in Germany
While the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies has surged globally, Germany’s uptake remains relatively conservative at 9% as of 2025. This compares with a 12% adoption rate in the U.S. and slightly higher figures in adjacent European markets. Experts see physics-altering moves like ING’s launch of crypto ETPs as potential catalysts to close this gap.
By providing regulated access within a familiar banking environment, more Germans may feel confident stepping into the crypto space. This easy entry encourages new participation without exposing investors to the operational challenges inherent in direct crypto ownership, such as security worries or complicated exchange interfaces.
For enthusiasts or newcomers interested in the safest ways to start, exploring offers like those from ING Bank’s crypto products provides a compelling gateway into the future of investment.
