German Banking Giant ING Expands Crypto Exposure With ETNs for Retail Investors

ING Deutschland, the German retail arm of Dutch banking giant ING, has launched access to cryptocurrency-linked exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and products (ETPs) for its retail clients, enabling exposure to major digital assets through regulated, familiar brokerage channels.

Announced and rolled out starting February 2, 2026, the offering allows customers with a Direkt-Depot securities account to trade physically backed ETNs/ETPs tracking Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and in some cases XRP or diversified crypto indices. Issuers include established providers such as 21Shares, VanEck, Bitwise, WisdomTree, and BlackRock’s iShares, with products listed on regulated venues like Xetra (Deutsche Börse).

This expansion integrates crypto exposure seamlessly into existing portfolios—no need for separate wallets, private keys, or third-party exchanges—lowering barriers for conservative retail investors. ING highlighted meeting growing customer demand while adhering to Germany’s strict regulations and Europe’s MiCA framework, which has clarified crypto’s legality and spurred traditional finance adoption.

Key features include zero-commission trades on orders above €1,000 for certain products (e.g., Bitwise offerings), automatic savings plans, and potential tax advantages (e.g., holding over one year may qualify for exemptions in Germany). The bank serves millions of brokerage clients with significant depot volume, potentially channeling billions into crypto-linked instruments at modest adoption rates.

Analysts see this as a bullish signal for mainstream convergence: ING joins other European banks exploring tokenized assets, contrasting with direct crypto trading by offering a lower-risk, securities-like structure. It reflects rising institutional and retail interest in regulated crypto products amid maturing markets and clearer oversight.

The move could prompt more lenders to follow, accelerating retail participation in the crypto economy without the complexities of direct ownership. ING emphasized high risks remain, urging informed investing, but positions the products as an accessible entry point for diversified portfolios. As traditional finance increasingly embraces digital assets, this step underscores Europe’s progressive stance on regulated crypto exposure.