ING Deutschland Simplifies Crypto Access for Millions

• ING lets users buy crypto like stocks, no wallets or exchanges needed, boosting mainstream adoption in Germany.

• Even 1–5% adoption could channel billions into crypto, showing the power of trusted banking platforms.

• Regulatory clarity under MiCA and automated plans make crypto a safer, simpler, and stickier investment option.

Germany’s ING Deutschland is bringing crypto exposure to mainstream retail banking, signaling a major shift in Europe’s digital asset adoption. Starting February 2, the bank’s 3.2 million brokerage customers can buy crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) with zero order fees above €1,000.

As per the announcement, customers can also set up automatic savings plans directly in the banking app. Hence, users no longer need separate exchange accounts or wallet management, making crypto feel like a standard investment option. VanEck supplies 11 crypto ETNs covering Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several altcoins, integrating seamlessly into ING’s existing brokerage platform.

Besides simplifying access, ING leverages its scale to potentially channel billions into crypto. With €134.6 billion in deposits and 3.2 million brokerage accounts, even a 1% adoption rate could translate to €1.35 billion in crypto-linked exposure.

At 5% penetration, the figure approaches €7 billion. Consequently, crypto becomes just another asset toggle in a familiar interface, reducing operational friction and easing regulatory approvals under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation.

Distribution Advantage Drives Adoption

The introduction of ING is part of a larger European trend where banks are integrating cryptocurrency into their current infrastructures. While Openbank and CaixaBank introduced cryptocurrency ETFs and spot trading via their digital apps, Spain’s BBVA began offering Bitcoin and Ethereum trading to retail clients in July 2025.

Moreover, these rollouts maintain clear fee structures and full regulatory compliance, lowering adoption barriers for users who may never use standalone exchanges. Additionally, automated savings plans enhance stickiness by turning crypto into a habitual investment.

MiCA’s regulatory framework supports this approach. The interim register shows 15 e-money token issuers managing 25 stablecoins, creating a compliant environment. Consequently, Circle’s euro-denominated stablecoin, EURC, grew 2,727% between July 2024 and June 2025 as compliant issuers filled the market gap. Regulatory clarity encourages both retail and institutional users to prefer products within the MiCA framework rather than risk exposure to unregulated alternatives.

European Demand Signals Strong Interest

According to Chainalysis data, Germany recorded an increase of 54% in cryptocurrency transactions to $219.4 billion. It recorded consistent inflows in January 2026, despite global outflows, indicating an enduring investor base.

CoinShares data recorded $181.9 billion in global investment products for digital assets, indicating that brokerage-mediated products can mitigate volatility. Therefore, ING’s launch could result in structural demand, which is not dependent on prices or hype.