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ING Deutschland with crypto offers for retail investors, regulated ETPs

by ICN.live
February 3, 2026

Fatima Al-Nouri

Key Points

Retail clients receive access to Bitcoin ETN Germany, Ethereum, and Solana through regulated products.
Physically backed issuers include 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck, traded via ING Direct Depot.
Bank guidance stresses risks, volatility, liquidity issues, and issuer insolvency exposure for buyers.
German crypto tax one year rule applies to eligible positions held beyond twelve months.

ING Deutschland, with crypto offers for retail investors, now reaches a wider audience through regulated products.

The bank gave its customers access to exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and products that replicate individual cryptocurrencies. Users get to gain exposure to the value of bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana in their portfolios, but do not have to store cryptocurrency themselves. In fact, the orders are routed into the customer’s regular brokerage screen via the Direct Depot Platform. The majority of customers like this option because they feel comfortable with how orders are entered. The implementation also provides documentation regarding the product, and the need for users to store their own private keys has been removed.

Exchange-traded exposures offered by these established issuers have the benefit of being backed physically by custodial institutions. Since the ETNs only track a specific asset, such as bitcoin or Ethereum, performance checking is simplified compared to basket tracking. Trades take place during regular business hours, on regulated exchanges, with prices reflecting current market conditions for the related cryptocurrency, with intraday pricing movements. Settlement and custody occur within the user’s brokerage statement, providing improved oversight for household accounts.

Lower entry point, familiar rails

The bank attempts to provide an accurate view of the risks associated with investing in ETNs to help customers set realistic expectations. It points out that there may be significant price swings in the value of cryptocurrency within short windows of time, and that less liquid markets will quickly decrease liquidity in times of stressful markets. Additionally, there is a risk of complete loss due to issuer default, in addition to the risk of price decline in the asset itself. The bank also continues to remind users of potential regulatory issues, and that regulation could potentially impact both access and costs associated with purchasing the ETNs. Therefore, prior to placing an order through the interface, customers should read the prospectus for the product they wish to purchase.

A small initial position size allows new customers to test the flow of money in and out of their accounts without risking too much of their budget. Additionally, transparent fee structures and exchange ticker symbols will allow customers to easily track their purchases post-purchase.

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ING Deutschland offers retail investors access to cryptocurrency with its crypto offering

Tax implications will be important factors for users who are planning to hold their investment for a period of time longer than a year and want to utilize the capital gains exemption provided by national tax laws. The German crypto tax one-year rule applies to eligible ETN positions if all applicable criteria are met. If a position is held for a period greater than twelve months, it will qualify for a capital gains exemption. Positions held for shorter terms will be treated as either ordinary income or capital gains based on the specific characteristics of the position.

Customers should document their purchase date, sale date, and the length of time they held the position when exporting their account information. A calendar reminder after eleven months will assist customers in reviewing their holding strategy and determining if it is still viable. Additionally, customers should continually monitor regulatory updates, as they become available, and follow any and all regulatory guidance.

Risks, Taxes, Record Keeping

While the product design is intended to be simple and easy to understand, the underlying assets are still experimental for many households. The bank views cryptocurrency as having no intrinsic value, and this perspective sets the stage for users’ risk tolerance and expectations. Customers should relate their position size to their financial goals and emergency funds level. A well-diversified portfolio will limit the shock of a single asset on long-term plans. Staged buys and stop-loss orders can also help to smooth entries in fast-moving markets. Quotes from the issuer will emphasize the access story, but will not promise a specific outcome or price behavior. As stated by Van Eck’s Martijn Rozemuller, “low-threshold access to crypto-investments” represents an opportunity for existing brokerage users to invest in regulated, tokenized products, using their normal depot.

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Steps to Take Before Placing Your First Order

Implementation detail affects overall cost, tracking differences, and trading flexibility among various trading venues. Customers should check the issuer page for details on creation and redemption options, collateral policy, and daily reporting. Customers should compare management fees, spreads, and historical tracking gaps between the issuer’s product and the underlying cryptocurrency. Bitcoin ETN Germany listings are suitable for customers interested in the original cryptocurrency with very low liquidity. Other customers may choose to use Ethereum ETP retail access to follow smart contract activity and staking themes. Customers interested in high-throughput networks and growing app ecosystems may use Solana exchange-traded products. ING Direct Depot order screens display quantity, estimated cost, and settlement instructions prior to confirming the trade. A careful review will result in better execution quality and ensure the customer’s trades are aligned with their strategy.

Match Product to Objective

ING Deutschland offers retail investors access to cryptocurrency and connects the worlds of banks and tokens, without making promises about future results. Bank rails reduce the friction of accessing the product; however, the disclosures will keep the focus on the risks, taxes, and holding periods. Small, incremental positions, tracking costs, and regularly reviewing the thesis will create a methodical approach for new participants to develop processes while avoiding impulsive decisions.

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What products are now available through ING for retail buyers in Germany?

Retail clients access exchange traded notes and products that mirror single coins. Listings include bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana exposures from established issuers. Orders route through the ING brokerage interface inside the Direct Depot service. Physically backed structures link to underlying coins held with third party custodians. Buyers view positions next to funds and shares, which improves portfolio tracking and reporting. Trades execute on regulated exchanges with normal settlement. Documentation outlines fees, risks, and custodial arrangements, so users should read prospectuses carefully. Access through a familiar account reduces onboarding friction without promising any performance outcome. The structure suits users seeking regulated wrappers and standard statements. Advanced users might still prefer direct wallets, but many households favor simpler brokerage flows.

How do the main risks differ from holding coins in a private wallet?

Exchange traded products introduce two layers of exposure. First, the coin price moves quickly and sometimes gaps across hours or days. Second, issuer risk exists, since a failure might trigger losses unrelated to coin prices. Liquidity risk appears during stressed sessions when spreads widen and depth thins. Market manipulation risks remain, particularly around headlines and thin overnight trading. Regulatory changes might affect fees, product features, or availability across venues. By contrast, private wallets remove issuer risk but introduce key management responsibilities. Users must secure seed phrases, backups, and hardware, which introduces different failure modes. Choose the approach that fits your skills, time, and tolerance for operational tasks. Many investors blend both methods, keeping small ETP positions and a separate self custody plan.

How does German tax treatment work for these exchange traded crypto products?

Germany applies rules that mirror direct holdings for qualifying products under current guidance. The German crypto tax one year rule allows capital gains exemptions after a twelve month hold. Positions sold within shorter periods fall under taxable treatment based on gains and personal circumstances. Documentation matters, so keep order confirmations, monthly statements, and year end reports organized. Mark the purchase date and a twelve month review date on a calendar or task app. Reassess your thesis near the review date before deciding to sell or continue holding. Consult official resources or a tax professional for personal cases and updates. Rules may change over time, so remain attentive to new guidance from authorities. Good records reduce filing errors and help answer questions during future audits or account transfers.

What steps help a first time buyer execute a sensible first trade through Direct Depot?

Preparation reduces mistakes and improves confidence during the first purchase. Start with a written plan covering budget, maximum loss, and reasons for the exposure. Compare issuers on fees, collateral policies, spreads, and historical tracking difference. Place a small starter order during regular hours to reduce slippage and execution surprises. Review the prospectus, product page, and exchange ticker before confirming the trade. Log trade details in a spreadsheet for later tax reporting and performance checks. Set calendar reminders for periodic reviews and a twelve month holding milestone. Avoid oversized positions relative to income, savings, and short term needs. Revisit the thesis each quarter and adjust or exit if conditions change. This routine supports steady learning while limiting avoidable errors during the first months.

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