ING has begun allowing retail clients in Germany to invest in Bitcoin exchange-traded products, marking a notable expansion of crypto access through one of the country’s largest retail banking platforms.

Key takeaways:

• ING now allows German retail clients to buy Bitcoin ETPs

• The offering is available through ING’s securities trading platform

• Products are issued by Bitwise Europe

• The move lowers the barrier to regulated Bitcoin exposure for retail investors

The rollout enables ING customers to gain exposure to Bitcoin via regulated crypto ETPs without directly holding the underlying asset. The products are offered through Bitwise Europe and are integrated into ING’s existing securities trading infrastructure, allowing investors to access crypto exposure alongside traditional financial instruments.

The largest retail brokerage in Germany

Has rolled out access to @Bitwise_Europe crypto ETPS!https://t.co/XDzw7PzBDH pic.twitter.com/IiwrZgykMN

— Hunter Horsley (@HHorsley) February 2, 2026

Regulated Bitcoin Access Moves Further Into European Retail Banking

By offering Bitcoin ETPs, ING provides clients with a familiar and regulated route into crypto markets, avoiding the need for external exchanges, self-custody, or standalone crypto platforms. The ETP structure allows investors to gain price exposure to Bitcoin while benefiting from the oversight, reporting standards, and investor protections associated with regulated securities.

The move reflects a broader trend among European financial institutions, where banks and brokerages are increasingly integrating crypto-linked products into traditional investment accounts. Germany, in particular, has emerged as one of the most developed European markets for crypto ETPs, with products traded on regulated venues such as Xetra and governed by established financial rules.

Industry participants view ING’s decision as a meaningful step toward mainstream adoption, given the bank’s large retail footprint in Germany. Access through a major banking platform significantly expands the potential investor base compared with crypto-native platforms, especially among clients seeking regulated exposure rather than direct asset ownership.

The launch comes amid growing institutionalization of crypto markets in Europe, where regulatory clarity has encouraged banks to cautiously expand offerings tied to digital assets. While limited to ETPs rather than spot crypto trading, the move underscores a continued shift toward integrating Bitcoin exposure into traditional financial systems.