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ING Deutschland now offers crypto-linked ETPs to retail clients
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Products provide exposure to bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana
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The bank warned that crypto assets remain speculative and high risk
Crypto Exposure Inside Traditional Banking
ING has opened retail access to cryptocurrency-linked exchange-traded notes and products for customers in Germany. The new offering allows clients to gain exposure to bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through ING’s Direct Depot platform.
The products are physically backed instruments issued by firms such as 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck. They trade on regulated exchanges and remove the need for customers to manage wallets or private keys.
Lowering the Entry Barrier
ING said the goal is to provide a familiar investment structure for customers interested in crypto exposure. By integrating crypto ETPs into existing securities accounts, the bank aims to reduce operational complexity for retail investors.
In Germany, these instruments are taxed similarly to direct crypto holdings, including potential capital gains exemptions for positions held longer than one year.
Strong Risk Warnings Remain
Despite the rollout, ING emphasized that crypto assets carry significant risks. The bank cited extreme price volatility, potential total loss, issuer insolvency risk, liquidity challenges, and regulatory uncertainty.
ING also stated that cryptocurrencies have no intrinsic value and that pricing is strongly influenced by psychological and speculative factors. The bank has nonetheless continued exploring digital assets, including participation in a European bank consortium working on a euro-based stablecoin.
