In the Media
Hong Kong SAR
In an interview with The Business Times, Obbe Kok, head of Financial Markets APAC, notes strong momentum in FX markets. He describes client engagement as “healthy and constructive” and reporting year on year growth across most currency pairs despite broader market volatility.
Asian banks’ FX desks brace for volatility as yen intervention risks return
In a Bloomberg interview, Uday Sareen, chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, said Asia is a key growth engine for ING, driven by trade finance, transaction services, sustainable finance and cross-border capital flows. ING focuses on EU–ASEAN, EU–India and EU–North Asia, with Europe–India trade accelerating.
Robust Europe–Asia capital flows in 2025; momentum in Trade Finance; Energy and digital infrastructure sectors drive APAC growth
In an interview with Asian Banking and Finance, Shivkumar Seerapu, head of Transaction Services for APAC, emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in helping companies remain competitive amid ongoing shifts in global supply chains
Supply chain shifts force Asia finance overhaul
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Uday Sareen, chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, highlighted a notable structural shift in Asian corporates’ investment strategies, with increasing capital flows being redirected toward Europe. James Poon, country manager for Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, added that demand for ING’s transaction services and trade finance has grown in tandem, driven by clients expanding into Europe and Southeast Asia. Mainland China, in particular, recorded double digit growth and now accounts for nearly one fifth of ING’s regional revenue.
Asian firms shift investment towards Europe in supply chain ‘realignment’, ING says
In an interview with The Asian Banker, Martijn Hoogerwerf, head of the Sustainable Solutions Group for APAC, emphasises that a bank’s credibility in its ESG commitments is fundamental to long term success. He adds that true integration goes beyond policy – it requires embedding ESG considerations directly into core decision making processes across the organisation.
How banks are making ESG integral to strategy, not just compliance
In a by-lined article on The Asset, James Poon, country manager for Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR and Candy Tang, director of the Sustainable Solutions Group APAC, notes that COP30’s call for accelerated climate action aligns with China’s new 2035 targets, strengthening its global decarbonisation role as Chinese clean tech leaders drive renewable and EV adoption worldwide. Rising sustainable finance activity in APAC—mirrored by ING’s strong mobilisation—continues to support these transitions, while COP30 highlights the need for broader policy reforms to unlock the investment required for the decade ahead.
Beyond COP30: Unlocking global opportunities for China's green leaders
In an interview with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, James Poon, country manager for Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, highlights ING’s strong 40 year presence in Hong Kong, its growth into a key APAC market, and rising opportunities from China’s push for innovation and overseas expansion. He underscored ING’s leadership in sustainable finance—including major ESG linked transactions and the Client Transition Plan Score—and noted the bank’s digital first approach and fintech collaboration to enhance cross border payments and treasury solutions.
Interview with James Poon of ING
In an interview with Het Financieele Dagblad, Diana Tang, director of the Sustainable Solutions Group APAC, notes that the People’s Republic of China’s recent green government bond—listed overseas for the first time on the London Stock Exchange—highlights the growing role of green bonds in financing China’s energy transition.
While the US takes a back seat, China takes the lead in green bonds
In an interview with Hong Kong Economic Times, James Poon, country manager for ING Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, highlighted China’s and Hong Kong’s leadership in green finance, with ING boosting sustainable loans and global green bond issuance expected to hit USD 700 billion this year.
China issues bonds in London, signalling global integration
In an interview with Hong Kong Economic Times, Lynn Song, ING’s chief economist for Greater China, shared that China’s solid H1 growth and progress in US–China trade talks support the 4.7% annual target, despite tariff pressures. Recovery hinges on domestic demand, property market stability, and Q4 policy easing.
ING: Three key factors to likely support mainland China’s economic growth target
In CNBC Asia, Uday Sareen, ING’s chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, highlights how tariffs are reshaping global trade and driving ING’s growth in Asia. He points to rising demand for transaction services, supply chain diversification, and digital infrastructure investment, while reaffirming ING’s leadership in sustainable finance and strategic support across capital markets.
Tariffs are driving up trade cost, we are seeing companies looking to increase working capital: ING
As global trade dynamics shift, Shivkumar (Shiv) Seerapu, ING’s head of Transaction Services for Wholesale Banking APAC, explores how the move from offshoring to friendshoring is reshaping trade flows across the APAC region. He shares insights into the growing importance of regional partnerships, the rise of multi-country trade blocs, and how these changes are driving more resilient supply chains and inclusive economic growth.
How friendshoring can boost Asia’s financial growth
In conversation with Bloomberg, Andrew Bester, ING’s global head of Wholesale Banking, discusses how tariffs and geopolitical tensions could affect corporate borrowing, deal-making and cross-border capital flows.
ING Wholesale Bank chief on tariffs impact on dealmaking
In Bloomberg, ING’s Jacomijn Vels, global head of Sustainable Solutions, underscores the value of Europe’s double materiality principle amid calls to simplify ESG rules. As the EU prepares to review key legislation, Jacomijn warns that losing CSRD’s transparency and consistency would be a setback for investors and banks navigating global sustainability standards.
EU Prepares for Fight Over Contentious Rule: ESG Regulation
In Ming Pao, Lynn Song, ING’s chief economist for Greater China, says stimulus policies outweigh tariffs in reviving China’s economy. He notes expanded subsidies and consumption measures under the “Two New” policies, with consumption expected to rise to 4.5% or 5%.
More to be done to boost domestic demand, China’s property prices expected to stabilize this year
In Ming Pao, Lynn Song, ING’s chief economist for Greater China, shares a measured outlook on new US tariffs, forecasting limited economic impact for China and predicting ongoing negotiations could ease tensions.
ING anticipates US tariffs will impact China’s GDP not as significantly as expected, forecasts 4.6% annual growth; trade talks may begin in early April: the bank
Speaking with Euromoney, Uday Sareen, ING’s chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, and Elvira Kruger, ING’s head of Transaction Services, discuss how tariffs and geopolitical tensions are reshaping the $700 billion US-China trade corridor. As companies build more sophisticated supply chains, banks are rapidly adapting to support new and complex trade flows.
Beyond the US-China Trade Corridor
In 21st Century Business Herald, James Poon, country manager for ING Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, reports surging RMB financing demand amid lower rates and currency weakness. He cites rising client activity driven by stimulus measures, global expansion, and geopolitical shifts, while reaffirming ING’s selective client base, zero bad debts, and focus on sustainability.
ING: Chinese Enterprises Reduce Costs by Borrowing in RMB
Sustainability-linked bond (SLB) is down 46% amid greenwashing concerns and weak accountability. In an interview with Bloomberg, Martijn Hoogerwerf, ING’s head of Sustainable Solutions Group for Wholesale Banking APAC, notes waning demand as issuers shift to green bonds and sustainability-linked loans.
A $319 billion corner of ESG bond market faces ‘slow demise’
In an interview with CorporateTreasurer, Martijn Hoogerwerf, head of Sustainable Finance for ING APAC, highlights surging green bond demand, regional ESG shifts, and the need for clearer taxonomies. He sees digital trade and stronger ESG reporting as key drivers of sustainable finance over the next five years.
Q&A: ING’s head of APAC sustainable finance
In a byline for The Asset, James Poon, country manager for ING Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, explores the accelerating rise of sustainable finance in Asia, driven by climate commitments, policy innovation and shifting corporate mindsets.
What’s driving sustainable finance in Asia?
In an interview with Hong Kong Economic Times, James Poon, country manager for ING Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, shares six key tactics for maintaining business stability and building long term client trust. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, he expresses confidence in China’s economic transition and Hong Kong’s lasting importance in global finance.
“Helmsman” of bank’s China and Hong Kong business shares six tactics to steady operations, positive on economic outlook, grounded transformations to enhance employee experience
In an interview with Hong Kong Economic Times, James Poon, country manager for ING Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, emphasises the urgent need to expand the bank’s global green and sustainable finance team to address climate risks. He reflects on ING’s early commitment to professionalising green finance, including pioneering sustainability-linked loans and launching talent development programmes in Asia Pacific.
Green and sustainable finance team to tackle climate risks
On Bloomberg Markets: Asia, Anju Abrol, ING’s chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, outlines ING’s strategy in Asia Pacific, emphasising client-centric growth, transition financing, and digital innovation. Speaking with Haslinda Amin, she highlights ING’s role as a long-term partner helping corporates navigate climate and market challenges.
ING's Abrol on APAC Wholesale Banking Strategy
Andrew Bester, ING’s global head of Wholesale Banking, told CNBC Squawk Box Asia that deal-making remains resilient across the bank’s 40 markets, with financing readily available despite muted global growth. Asia remains a key focus, with solid performance in China and supportive policy in Japan. ING mobilised €115 billion in sustainable finance in 2023, advancing its €125 billion annual target and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Asia remains key as ING drives sustainable finance and market resilience
In MONEY FM 89.3’s first C-Suite segment of the year, Anju Abrol, ING’s chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, reflects on her career journey and cross-disciplinary roots in science, banking, and sustainability. She underscores ING’s purpose-led approach, highlighting the bank’s commitment to financing change and helping clients navigate their transition toward a low-carbon future.
Mind Your Business: Chemistry and finance - ING’s CEO unravels the connection
