Progress is always possible

Successfully dealing with change in today’s volatile and complex global business landscape is more important than ever. While the coronavirus pandemic has reshuffled global priorities, we cannot put off our efforts to fight the climate crisis. These times present us with an unprecedented opportunity to collectively hit the reset button and make changes to build back a better, more resilient world. At ING, we believe that progress is always possible and in people who pursue it in a responsible way. We support changemakers – people and companies that ignite, lead and advocate for sustainable change in the world. As a bank, we can play a significant role by financing change and using our expertise and sector knowledge to help you achieve your goals. We make things personal, easy and smart for you, then step aside and let you do your thing.

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Meet the changemakers

Changemakers are tenacious about the greater good. They are committed to something bigger than themselves and believe progress is always possible. The collection of stories below shine light on the people whose mission is to build a future proof world through collaboration and with innovative ideas. The group is committed to conducting business in a sustainable way by developing close relationships with local people, communities and businesses in host countries, and safeguarding the natural environment.

Gianfilippo Mancini: Consumers get on board with decentralised energy systems

Sorgenia entered the newly liberalised Italian energy market about 20 years ago. Today, it is propelling the country’s energy transition with its clean energy portfolio and innovative digital customer services.

Moroo Shino: new technology paves the way for the energy transition

Japanese conglomerate Marubeni now has more than 100 years of innovation to look back on. Moroo Shino, President and CEO of Marubeni Asian Power, says that as a large independent power producer it has a social responsibility to facilitate the energy transition and the development of new technology solutions such as hydrogen.

Nico van Dooren: Rotterdam stakes out a hydrogen-led future

As Europe seeks to position itself as a leader in hydrogen technology, the Port of Rotterdam has been busy building infrastructure to overhaul the country’s energy system. Nico van Dooren, Port of Rotterdam Director for New Business Development, is working closely with industry to future-proof the port and support the energy transition.

Gerard Backx: seeding a sustainable potato business

Potato seed provider HZPC is looking at how to embed more sustainability in its supply chain. But that is not all: CEO Gerard Backx tells us the company is also trying to breed better potatoes.

Heimo Scheuch takes the long view on sustainability

For more than a decade, Heimo Scheuch has been the CEO of Wienerberger AG, an international provider of building envelopes and infrastructure, based in Austria. He says that for leaders to pass on to the next generation a business that is fit for the future, they have to learn about sustainability.

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Read about Bart-Willem ten Cate and his role of sustainability advocate for two decades.

Changemaking sector trends

Businesses are constantly faced with new challenges. Whether it’s reacting to new technologies or foreseeing new trends, their capacity to change is put to a test every day. Companies in all sectors need to invest now to keep pace with rapid technology development and to make their business models more resilient, factoring in their impact on the environment and societies. Our sector series delve into the role of new technologies in the transition to sustainable business models in sectors such as food and agriculture, energy, and transportation and logistics.

The automotive sector and sustainability

Each industry is different, but they're all dealing with climate change and sustainability. What’s happening in the automotive sector? Thorsten Mehltretter, global lead of ING’s automotive sector, gives his perspective.

Sustainability-linked success

For a solution that didn’t even exist four years ago, the sustainability-linked finance business is booming. More and more companies are seeing the benefits of linking their financing to their efforts to protect the planet and its people.

Shipping and sustainability

Each industry is different, but they're all dealing with climate change and sustainability. What’s happening in shipping? Stephen Fewster, global head of ING’s shipping sector, gives his perspective.

Power and climate change

Each industry is different, but they're all dealing with climate change. What’s happening in power generation and how is ING supporting the low-carbon transition? Michiel de Haan, global head of ING’s energy sector, gives his perspective.

Feeding the world with precision

How data-driven analytics is powering agribusiness for the big task ahead: reducing food insecurity while the population spikes.

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Learn about the biggest environmental problem ahead of climate change.

As a changemaker, you believe your business can and should have a positive impact on the world. We share this belief with you. You need a partner that understands your ambition and shares your forward thinking mentality. A partner that challenges you to go beyond the obvious.

Financing change in the world

As a bank we have been known for our innovative power and the initiatives we support to create even faster benefits for technological progress. Recognised as one of Forbes magazine’s most innovative companies, ING has a variety of ways of turning great ideas into products and services that clients really need.

Innovation at ING

Covid-19 is forcing us to make decisions faster and prioritise sustainability and innovation to make supply chains and business models more efficient and resilient. Our Post-Covid-19 insights provide inspiration and guidance to prepare for the coming period.

Post-Covid-19 insights

Please note that ING Bank does not have a banking license in the US and is therefore not permitted to conduct banking activities in the US. Through its wholly owned subsidiary ING Financial Holdings Corporation and its affiliates, ING offers a full array of wholesale financial products such as lending, corporate finance and a full range of financial markets products and services to its corporate and institutional clients.