On February 2, 2026, ING Deutschland rolled out crypto ETPs to more than 9 million retail clients. Users can now buy and sell Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana directly in their Direct Depot account, without dealing with private keys or digital wallets. The move marks a significant embrace of digital assets by a major German bank.
Bank Account Trading: No Keys or Wallets Needed
The crypto ETPs are issued by VanEck, 21Shares, and Bitwise, operating exactly like a stock or ETF. Clients see their crypto holdings next to their regular stocks and ETFs. Some Solana products offer staking rewards, and a market index product allows diversification across the top 10 coins. All assets are physically backed — issuers buy and hold real Bitcoin in cold storage, reducing platform risk.
Tax Perk: 0% After One Year
Germany's BMF 2026 rules grant a full tax exemption on profits from crypto ETPs held for more than 12 months. ING handles automated tax reporting, eliminating the need for manual trade tracking. This simplifies compliance for retail investors.
MiCA Regulation Paves the Way
With MiCA now in effect across Europe, banks have clearer rules. By late 2025, 9% of Germans already used digital assets. ING's human-first approach integrates crypto ETPs into regular banking, targeting cautious investors who trust their bank over an app. Experts predict that by 2026, offering such products will be the new normal, with user experience and low fees as key differentiators. ING has taken an early lead, potentially prompting other European banks to follow.