ING Deutschland, Germany’s largest retail lender, has begun offering crypto investment products linked to bitcoin, ether and solana through customers’ bank-connected securities accounts, expanding access to digital assets without requiring direct ownership.

The products are physically backed exchange-traded products issued by major asset managers including 21Shares, Bitwise and VanEck, according to information on ING’s website. They track the price movements of the underlying cryptocurrencies and trade on regulated exchanges via the bank’s Direct Depot platform, which is used by self-directed investors to trade stocks, ETFs and funds.

ING is presenting the crypto ETPs as a streamlined entry point into digital assets, allowing customers to add crypto exposure within their existing banking setup while avoiding the complexities of wallets and private key management.

The launch reflects steady retail demand for crypto in Europe, even amid persistent market volatility. Deutsche Bank research shows that retail crypto adoption in Germany reached 9% in 2025, compared with 12% in the U.S., highlighting continued growth potential.

Martijn Rozemuller, chief executive of VanEck Europe, said the collaboration with ING provides investors with low-friction access to crypto investments that fit seamlessly into established portfolio structures.

“Many investors want solutions that integrate into existing depot accounts and offer transparent costs,” Rozemuller said in a translated statement. “This partnership delivers crypto exposure where investors already manage their investments — within their securities accounts.”

The products also benefit from favorable German tax rules. 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 for long-term investors.