In the Media
South Korea
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 The Seoul Economic Daily, Uday Sareen, ING’s chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking APAC, reaffirms the bank’s commitment to supporting Korean companies’ overseas growth through tailored trade finance, particularly in high-value sectors like shipbuilding, semiconductors, and batteries. He highlights ING’s expanding ESG and digital infrastructure strategy, deepening domestic partnerships, and Korea’s key role in ING’s APAC growth plans.
“Concerns over economic slowdown due to tariff war... Continued financial support for Korean export companies”
In a byline for JoongAng Ilbo, Philippe van Hoof, country manager for ING Korea, calls for stronger public-private collaboration to drive shipping’s green transition. He highlights new IMO and EU emissions targets, the need for USD28 billion annually for cleaner vessels, and the role of finance—through tools like sustainability-linked loans—in accelerating decarbonisation.
[Philippe van Hoof's Market Now] Korea's shipbuilding, shipping, and finance to lead the nation as decarbonisation powerhouse
In Money Today, ING economist Kang Min-Joo warns that President Trump's tariff policies are fuelling global market volatility and pressuring asset values. While some sectors like semiconductors may benefit, others such as autos and steel face rising risks. Kang forecasts slower U.S. growth and a 1.3% GDP rate for South Korea in 2025, citing delayed stimulus and structural challenges. She also expects currency fluctuations and limited recovery in China, underscoring the broader economic uncertainty ahead.
Trump’s economic shockwave: Insights from a former world bank and pension economist
Despite the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Trump, sustainable finance remains resilient and continues to grow, reaching $1.657 trillion globally in 2024, according to Chosun Biz. ING’s Jacomijn Vels emphasises that corporate demand for energy transition financing is strong, driven by net-zero goals and competitive pressure. ING supports this shift through its Terra Approach and sustainability-linked products, while rising standards and transparency are improving market credibility.
“Sustainable finance will continue to grow despite Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement”
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
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
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
Robert Carnell, head of ING’s Asia-Pacific Research Centre, says investors should focus on confidence indicators—not China’s official growth targets—when assessing equities. He highlights the U.S. election as a major variable, with potential trade tensions under a Trump presidency posing risks to China’s economy.
ING: “When investing in Chinese equities, focus on confidence indicators over growth rate”
In an interview with Hankyung ESG, Philippe Van Hoof, country manager for ING Korea, highlighted ING’s global goal to mobilise €150 billion in sustainable finance by 2027 and fully phase out fossil fuels by 2040. He emphasised that sustainable finance must go beyond funding—requiring strategic shifts across firms to meet carbon targets. ING’s Terra Approach guides this transition, supporting clients with green loans, bonds, and long-term planning toward net zero.
Philippe van Hoof: “Sustainable finance will advance carbon neutrality goals”
Andrew Bester, ING’s global head of Wholesale Banking, told Seoul Economic Daily the bank will expand support for Korean firms in offshore wind and low-carbon transitions. Backed by global expertise and plans to triple renewable energy financing to EUR 7.5 billion, ING sees Korea as key to its sustainability strategy.
ING is a seasoned expert in green finance, with Korean companies as valued partners
In a byline for JoongAng Ilbo, Philippe van Hoof, country manager for ING Korea, underscores Korea’s chance to lead in green finance post-COP28. With KRW 420 trillion pledged for green investment, he calls for stronger public-private collaboration to accelerate the low-carbon transition and position Korea as a regional finance hub.
[Philippe van Hoof’s Market Now] For the betterment of green finance in Korea
Speaking at ENVEX 2024, ING called for stronger bank and investor support to help Korea reach 30% renewable energy by 2036. Offshore wind was flagged as a key opportunity. ING aims to phase out oil and gas financing by 2040 and triple renewable energy funding by 2025.
ING: “Banks have a key role in achieving 30% renewable energy target”
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
Robert Carnell, ING’s chief economist and head of Research for APAC, spoke with Chosun Ilbo about China’s economic outlook for the coming year. He highlighted three key vulnerabilities: rising local government debt, a weakening labour market, and waning investor confidence—suggesting a more challenging year ahead than the last.
“It’s more difficult this year… Three factors cloud China’s economic outlook”
In a conversation with Chosun Biz, Philippe van Hoof, country manager for ING Korea and ECCK Chairman, underscores the enduring importance of green finance despite global conflict. ING plays a leading role in sustainable finance across Asia, supporting ESG bond issuances and promoting regulatory alignment.
The finance sector needs to consider carbon neutrality in its strategy… incentives are needed for ESG bonds
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
