Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies. They exist only online and use a shared digital network to record transactions.
Although they are commonly referred to as “currencies”, cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in the Netherlands.
There are two ways to invest in cryptocurrencies:
Some cryptocurrencies have shown very high returns in the past, but this has gone hand in hand with very high volatility. As a result, the risk of significant losses has also been high.
At ING, investing in cryptocurrencies is possible only indirectly, through Crypto ETNs with a Self Invest account.
"},"alignedImage":{"position":"right","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/e7f47610-be88-4468-a61d-9b6d2ddd2c1a/device-with-graph","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/2909ceb19eac7e23/original/device-with-graph.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"paragraph"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Buy and Sell Crypto ETNs"},{"componentType":"applicationProcess","body":"With a Self Invest account, you can trade Crypto ETNs directly on the exchange, in just three simple steps.","steps":{"stepList":[{"title":"You need a Self Invest account","body":"Don’t have a Self Invest account yet? Open one with ING. It’s linked to your ING current account.","textLink":{"text":"Discover how Self Invest works"}},{"title":"Choose the ETN that suits you","body":"If you haven’t completed the knowledge tests for Complex Trackers and Crypto ETNs yet, you’ll be prompted to do so first"},{"title":"When you're ready....","body":"You can then place and confirm your order. Selling your ETN is also possible via the ING app or My ING"}]}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/investments/100/onboarding","text":"Open a Self Invest account (Dutch only)"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"More about cryptocurrencies"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Most cryptocurrencies use a decentralized digital ledger, known as a blockchain. There are over 8,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and Ripple.
The price of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate strongly and trading them—directly or indirectly—involves specific risks. Please make sure you understand these risks before investing in Crypto ETNs.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/investing/investments-at-ing/risks-per-investment-category","text":"Learn more about the specific risks"}]},{"componentType":"paragraph"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Knowledge tests"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Crypto ETNs are complex investment products with very high risks.
At ING, we believe it’s important that you understand what you’re investing in. That’s why, before you can place an order, we check whether you have sufficient knowledge and experience with complex trackers and Crypto ETNs.
We do this through a knowledge test. If you don’t pass the test the first time, you’ll have the opportunity to take it again.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Crypto ETN FAQs"},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Which Crypto ETNs are available via my Self Invest account?","richBody":{"value":"| Naam | Crypto valuta | ISIN |
| Bitcoin | GB00BJYDH287 | |
| Bitcoin | XS2940466316 | |
| Ripple | GB00BRXHQ425 | |
| Ethereum | GB00BJYDH394 | |
| Solana | GB00BNGJ9G01 |
Avoid unnecessary risk. Read the Key Information Document (KID).
This document explains that these products carry a very high risk, rated 6 or 7 on a scale of 7. Click the hyperlinks in column 1 to view the Key Information Document for each product, including a link to the prospectus.
There is no such thing as the best Crypto ETN to invest in. As with any investment, it’s important to decide for yourself which Crypto ETN fits your investment goals, knowledge and risk tolerance.
Crypto ETNs differ in terms of the underlying cryptocurrency, risk level and price volatility. Make sure you understand the characteristics and risks of each product before investing.
"}},{"title":"What is the difference between an ETF/ETP and an ETN?","richBody":{"value":"An ETP (Exchange Traded Product) is the umbrella term for exchange‑traded investment products, such as ETFs and ETNs.
Because an ETN is a debt instrument, you also take on issuer risk in addition to market risk. This risk is generally higher than with an ETF.
"}},{"title":"What is the difference between an ETN and buying crypto directly?","richBody":{"value":"With an ETN, you invest in cryptocurrencies via an exchange‑listed security, but you do not own the cryptocurrencies yourself. Unlike direct ownership of cryptocurrencies, an ETN can only be traded during stock exchange trading hours. You do not need a separate crypto wallet.
"}},{"title":"Do I need a separate crypto wallet?","richBody":{"value":"No. You buy Crypto ETNs through your regular Self Invest(Zelf op de Beurs) account. Before you can do this, you must first complete the mandatory knowledge and experience tests for Complex Trackers and Crypto ETNs.
"}},{"title":"What happens to the value of the ETN if the price of the underlying cryptocurrency falls?","richBody":{"value":"If the price of the underlying cryptocurrency falls, the value of the ETN will fall by a comparable amount.
"}},{"title":"How quickly can I exit or sell?","richBody":{"value":"The ETNs offered by ING can only be traded during stock exchange trading hours. As a result, you cannot respond immediately to price movements outside trading hours, which is possible with direct investments in cryptocurrencies.
"}},{"title":"Are the ETNs offered by ING backed by physical cryptocurrencies?","richBody":{"value":"Yes. The issuing institution actually buys and sells the physical cryptocurrencies.
"}},{"title":"Can I transfer my ETN investments to my own wallet outside ING?","richBody":{"value":"No. The underlying cryptocurrencies cannot be withdrawn or transferred to a wallet outside ING. You can sell your ETN investments, in which case the proceeds will be credited in euros to your investment account.
You can also transfer the ETN to an investment account outside ING, provided that the receiving institution is willing to accept it.
"}},{"title":"What does it cost to invest in crypto ETNs?","richBody":{"value":"
You pay the same fees as for shares:
€1.00 + 0.10% per transaction for orders below €300,000 (maximum €150).
0.05% for orders above €300,000.
Investing involves risks and costs. You may lose (part of) your invested capital Read more about the risks of investing and how you can limit them.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"*This translation is intended for the customer’s convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency between the English translation and the original Dutch version, the original Dutch version shall prevail.
"}}]}}}