Key Takeaways
-
ING Deutschland launched access to ~50 physically backed crypto ETNs/ETPs (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, baskets, and altcoins) via its Direct Depot securities accounts starting February 2, 2026.
-
Commission-free execution for orders ≥ €1,000 (issuer-subsidized), flat €3.90 for smaller trades, and zero fees on automatic savings plans from €1.
-
Same German tax treatment as direct crypto: capital gains tax-free after holding longer than one year.
-
With 3.2 million brokerage accounts and €134.6 billion in depot volume, even modest adoption could channel €1.35–€6.73 billion into crypto ETPs.
On February 2, 2026, one of Germany’s largest retail banks took a decisive step that could reshape how everyday Europeans access digital assets. ING Deutschland opened its Direct Depot securities accounts to a wide range of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs). Clients can now gain exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana (SOL ETP), XRP, and multi-asset baskets without leaving their familiar banking environment.
This move marks a major milestone in bank tokenization and European crypto investment. It eliminates the need for separate wallets, private keys, or third-party exchanges, while leveraging the regulatory clarity provided by the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.
What ING Deutschland Is Offering
ING currently lists approximately 50 physically backed crypto ETNs and ETPs from leading issuers:
-
Bitwise — Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP
-
VanEck — 11 ETNs including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Algorand, Avalanche, Chainlink, Polkadot, Polygon, and smart-contract leaders
-
WisdomTree — Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and CoinDesk 10 Capped ex-Bitcoin Index
-
iShares — Bitcoin
All products trade on regulated venues such as Xetra and are fully integrated into ING’s existing brokerage platform.
How It Works: Accessibility and Fees
Clients with a standard Direkt-Depot can buy and sell these instruments exactly like stocks or regular ETFs. No crypto wallet or additional KYC is required — custody and settlement are handled entirely by the bank.
Fee structure (promotional period):
-
Orders ≥ €1,000 → €0 execution fee (reimbursed by the issuer)
-
Orders < €1,000 → flat €3.90
-
Automatic savings plans (Sparplan) → €0 execution fee from as little as €1 per month
Spreads are generally tighter than direct spot crypto purchases, and the products benefit from the same tax regime as holding actual cryptocurrencies: gains realized after more than one year are exempt from capital gains tax.
Potential Impact on European Crypto Investment
ING Deutschland serves 3.2 million brokerage clients with €134.6 billion in securities assets under custody. Conservative estimates suggest:
-
1% allocation → €1.35 billion potential inflow
-
3% allocation → €4 billion
-
5% allocation → €6.73 billion
These figures represent structural, recurring demand through automated savings plans — a powerful contrast to the often speculative flows seen on centralized exchanges. Positive German inflows persisted even during global ETP outflows in early 2026, indicating that regulated bank channels create stickier adoption.
Bank Tokenization in the Post-MiCA Era
MiCA has removed legal uncertainty and provided a clear framework for banks to offer crypto exposure as regulated securities. ING’s launch — alongside similar moves by other European institutions — shows how traditional banks are embracing tokenization: wrapping digital assets into familiar, bank-custodied products.
This approach lowers barriers dramatically for risk-averse or less tech-savvy investors while keeping everything within a BaFin-regulated environment.
Trading Insights for Retail Investors
For traders and long-term allocators, ING’s platform offers several practical advantages:
-
Dollar-cost averaging made a simple — Set up €50–€100 monthly Sparplans in Bitcoin or Solana ETNs with zero execution costs to smooth volatility.
-
Tax-efficient positioning — The one-year holding rule creates a natural incentive for longer-term strategies rather than frequent trading.
-
Diversification opportunities — easy access to SOL ETPs, smart-contract baskets, or multi-asset indexes without managing multiple wallets.
-
Liquidity and transparency — All products trade on regulated exchanges during European market hours with real-time pricing.
Near-term, any positive flow data from ING could act as a sentiment catalyst for European ETPs overall. Watch for monthly updates on assets under management in these specific ISINs.
Risks and Considerations
ING clearly states that these products carry high risk: extreme volatility, potential total loss, issuer risk, liquidity risk, and regulatory changes could all affect value. They are suitable primarily for experienced investors. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before allocating.
Conclusion
ING Deutschland’s February 2026 launch of retail crypto ETP/ETN access is more than a product rollout — it is a structural shift in how Europe invests in digital assets. By combining bank-grade custody, low costs, tax advantages, and MiCA compliance, ING has created one of the most frictionless on-ramps yet for mainstream Bitcoin, Solana, and broader crypto exposure.
For European investors, this represents a genuine milestone in bank tokenization. For traders, it opens new avenues for systematic, tax-efficient allocation. The coming months will show how quickly retail capital flows into these instruments — and whether other major banks accelerate their own offerings in response.
FAQs
When did ING Deutschland launch crypto ETP access for retail clients?
Access became available starting February 2, 2026, with the promotional fee structure effective immediately.
Which cryptocurrencies can I invest in through ING’s platform?
Clients can access Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana (SOL ETP), XRP, and various baskets/altcoin indexes through products from 21Shares, Bitwise, VanEck, WisdomTree, and iShares.
Are there any fees for buying crypto ETNs at ING?
Orders of €1,000 or more currently incur zero execution fees (issuer-subsidized). Smaller orders cost a flat €3.90, while automatic savings plans start from €1 with zero execution fees.
Does investing in these ETPs qualify for the same tax treatment as holding actual crypto?
Yes — capital gains are tax-free in Germany if the position is held longer than one year, identical to direct cryptocurrency ownership.
How much capital could flow into crypto through ING?
With €134.6 billion in depot volume, even 1–5% allocation by clients could direct €1.35–€6.73 billion into crypto ETPs over time.