ING Deutschland Enables Direct Purchase of Bitcoin, Ether and Solana Products via Securities Accounts

ING Deutschland has integrated exchange-traded crypto products for bitcoin, ether and solana into its standard securities account offering, allowing retail clients to acquire token-linked funds through the bank’s online trading interface rather than specialised crypto platforms. The instruments are structured and distributed by established asset managers, enabling the bank to offer crypto exposure through regulated fund wrappers that settle on traditional exchanges and custody chains. This approach removes direct custody responsibilities from individual investors by keeping holdings inside brokerage-style accounts, which simplifies onboarding and reduces the operational burden associated with private keys and self-custody. For investors this means exposure is delivered through instruments that track token prices, while settlement, reporting and tax treatment follow familiar securities workflows. The timing reflects rising retail interest in digital assets: recent research shows single-digit retail penetration in Germany versus higher uptake in the United States, a gap that incumbents can seek to close by embedding crypto in mainstream services. From a product governance perspective, ING’s arrangement channels demand into regulated vehicles managed by third-party issuers, which shifts execution, custody and market-making risks away from the bank but preserves distribution and client servicing responsibilities. Tax parity between direct crypto ownership and these securities in Germany further reduces frictions for long-term holders, because gains held beyond one year enjoy favorable treatment under local rules. Strategically, the bank’s move makes crypto a client-facing product rather than a niche alternative, helping ING retain brokerage volumes and compete with fintechs and specialist exchanges on convenience rather than price or custody features. On the market side, routing retail flow into exchange-traded wrappers could influence liquidity patterns for listed crypto products and marginally increase demand for underlying spot markets as issuers hedge exposures. Regulatory scrutiny remains a consideration: while the products trade on recognised venues, distribution by a major retail bank will attract attention from supervisors monitoring suitability, disclosure and systemic spillovers. In conclusion, ING’s integration of token-tracking funds into its securities account marks a material step toward normalising crypto exposure for mainstream German savers, shifting the competitive frontier toward product accessibility and regulatory alignment.