Enhancing digital infrastructure to facilitate a hyperconnected world

Digitalisation is transforming the ways in which businesses operate and reshaping customer engagements and expectations worldwide. The pace of change has accelerated in recent years, driven by rapidly advancing technology leading to organisations pursuing smarter, more agile ways of working.

Today, enterprises and governments are increasingly transitioning from legacy platforms to flexible, scalable cloud solutions to better meet their organisations’ needs, enhance efficiency, security and promote business continuity while optimising costs. Meanwhile, consumers expect seamless, data-powered experiences that align with their digital-centric lifestyles.

The combination of exponentially increasing data and content consumption, digital transformation, growing cloud migration, and continued momentum in AI deployment is driving heightened demand for, and investment in, high performance computing and digital infrastructure globally, including in the APAC region.

Krishna Suryanarayanan, head of Technology, Media, Telecommunications (TMT) and Healthcare APAC at ING, said: “The rapid surge in cloud migration, AI adoption, IoT, and data generation/content consumption is driving growing demand for, and investment in, digital infrastructure to efficiently process, analyse, store and transmit data. To support the continued growth of the digital economy, we need a resilient supply chain spanning semiconductor chips, servers, networking equipment, storage devices and other components used in data centers, and growing sustainable digital infrastructure that can ensure seamless compute and connectivity.”

Across APAC, we are seeing a surge in activity and investment – from semiconductor chips manufacturing and high performance compute servers, to the build-out of hyperscale data centres driven by demand from cloud computing and AI workloads, and the expansion of fiber networks for enhanced connectivity. Given the capital-intensive nature of these sectors, strategic capital raising (both equity and debt) and trusted banking partnerships are critical. These enable manufacturers to access the capital and liquidity needed to maintain stable supply chains, while supporting digital infrastructure players – whether greenfield, brownfield, or established – to capitalise on growth opportunities, optimise capital structures and navigitate market volatility.

Michelle Kong, head of Clients and Sector Coverage APAC at ING, said: “Leveraging ING’s wholesale banking capabilities — from advisory, to structuring and leading financings, to risk management and working capital solutions – we support large-scale infrastructure and technology supply initiatives. Combined with our deep expertise in the TMT sector, we empower clients to scale efficiently and future-proof their supply chains.”

With deep expertise in sector trends, industry dynamics, and tailored whole banking solutions, ING is a trusted financial partner for TMT businesses across APAC and globally – at every stage of growth. Whether providing advisory services, growth financing for data centre operators, off-balance sheet working capital solutions for tech manufacturers or delivering sophisticated hedging solutions, ING's comprehensive wholesale banking solutions power the digital economy's foundation. By combining sector-specific knowledge, adaptable structures across the value chain, and global execution capabilities, ING empowers clients to develop, expand, and future-proof their growth.

As global technology leaders and APAC-based firms expand into new markets–from data centre players growing their regional footprint to manufacturers diversifying their supply chains – ING’s global network offers seamless cross-border solutions. Its virtual cash management platform (Bank Mendes Gans) manages liquidity in 39 currencies, while its team of sector specialists in strategic hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo and Taipei help clients navigate regional complexities effectively.

Capital and carbon intensity go hand-in-hand in digital infrastructure. ING's sustainable finance expertise helps TMT leaders turn net-zero commitments into operational reality—demonstrating that environmental responsibility can be a source of competitive advantage.

Michelle explained: "We have long pioneered green financing tied to specific use of proceeds, as well as sustainability-linked financing driven by measurable KPIs – such as renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainable procurement. For carbon- and energy-intensive operations, this creates direct financial incentives to reduce emissions and accelerate net-zero progress."

Digital infrastructure investments also face a complex risk landscape—from FX and interest rate volatility to uncertainties created by event driven deal closings. ING's approach combines flexible hedging strategies, and scalable facilities to mitigate uncertainty across the investment lifecycle.

“At ING, we enable clients across the digital value chain to scale with confidence by transforming risk into opportunity. Our deep markets expertise in hedging FX, interest rate, and commodity exposures provides stability for capital-intensive, long-term investments. More than just financing, we deliver integrated solutions – blending tailored risk management with sustainability-linked strategies – so businesses can evolve efficiently to meet their growing needs.”

True digital transformation requires not just technology advancements, but strong advisory, capital, liquidity and risk management solutions. With growing demand across the digital value chain, businesses need financial partners who understand both the complexity of large-scale deployment and the imperative of resilience. With ING as a partner, businesses can invest with confidence, build with resilience, and grow with impact—ensuring the foundations of the digital economy are as robust as the innovations they support.