Germans gain direct access to bitcoin, ether and solana through ING accounts

ING Deutschland, Germany’s largest retail bank, has expanded access to crypto investing by allowing customers to buy products linked to bitcoin, ether and solana directly through their bank-linked securities accounts.

The offerings are physically backed exchange-traded products issued by firms such as 21Shares, Bitwise and VanEck, according to the bank’s website. The products track the price of the underlying cryptocurrencies and trade on regulated exchanges via ING’s Direct Depot platform, the bank’s self-directed brokerage account used for stocks, ETFs and mutual funds.

ING is positioning the crypto ETPs as a straightforward entry point for investors, integrating digital asset exposure into everyday banking while removing the need to manage wallets or private keys.

The move highlights steady demand for crypto among retail investors despite ongoing market volatility. Deutsche Bank research shows that retail crypto adoption in Germany reached 9% in 2025, compared with 12% in the U.S., pointing to continued growth potential.

Martijn Rozemuller, chief executive of VanEck Europe, said the partnership offers investors an accessible way to add crypto exposure within existing investment structures.

“Many investors want solutions that fit seamlessly into their current depot accounts and offer transparent costs,” Rozemuller said in a translated statement. “This collaboration delivers crypto exposure where investors already allocate capital — in their securities accounts.”

The products also benefit from favorable German tax treatment. Like directly held bitcoin, gains are exempt from capital gains tax if the investment is held for more than one year, making them particularly attractive to long-term investors.