ING Bank Germany has launched Bitcoin-linked ETNs for retail clients, simplifying crypto investments without the need for private key management.
ING Bank's German branch has launched exchange-traded notes (ETNs) that cater to cryptocurrency investments for retail clients, allowing them to invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through a user-friendly banking platform.
These ETNs are issued by 21Shares, Bitwise, and VanEck, and are physically backed, traded on regulated exchanges via the Direct Depot platform.
A significant benefit of this service is that it removes the necessity for investors to handle private keys and manage external wallets.
Martijn Rozemuller, CEO of VanEck Europe, noted that this initiative significantly lowers the entry barriers for investors, enabling them to access digital assets within standard custodial frameworks that feature transparent fee structures.
ING has also clarified the tax implications for these investments, indicating that ETNs in Germany are taxed similarly to direct cryptocurrency purchases, with profits exempt from capital gains tax if held for over a year.
Nonetheless, the bank has cautioned investors about the inherent risks, including high volatility, the absence of intrinsic value in the assets, and the potential for total loss should the issuer go bankrupt.
Moscow Exchange Developments
Meanwhile, the Moscow Exchange is set to broaden its offerings by 2026, with plans to introduce three indices and futures for cryptocurrencies including Solana, XRP, and TRON. Maria Silkina, head of the futures market product group, shared this update during a broadcast on RBC.
To facilitate futures contracts, a corresponding index will serve as the underlying asset. The initial step involves establishing the calculation methodology and publishing data on the new cryptocurrencies.
These contracts will be cash-settled and will expire monthly, with access limited to qualified investors.
Following the introduction of these new pairs, the Moscow Exchange aims to roll out perpetual futures and options based on the same indices as the monthly contracts.
Additionally, reports from April 2025 indicated that ING Bank is working on a MiCA-regulated stablecoin.
