ING opens retail access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana ETPs in Germany

ING Deutschland, a major German retail bank, has enabled its customers to gain exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through physically backed exchange-traded notes (ETNs) and products. These instruments, issued by providers like 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck, track the underlying cryptocurrencies and trade on regulated exchanges through ING's Direct Depot platform. This move aims to lower the entry barrier for crypto investing by integrating access into familiar banking infrastructure, eliminating the need for customers to manage third-party wallets or private keys. While the bank noted that tax treatment mirrors direct crypto holdings, it also issued strong warnings about significant risks, including extreme volatility, potential total loss, and regulatory uncertainty, characterizing cryptocurrencies as speculative products without intrinsic value.

(Source：The Block)