ING honoured with Green Finance Award at ECCK Sustainability Awards 2025

Seoul, South Korea, 7 March 2025 – ING Korea has been awarded the Green Finance Award at the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK) Sustainability Awards 2025, marking a significant milestone as the bank’s first participation in the awards. This recognition also highlights ING’s leadership in sustainable finance, as the Green Finance category is newly introduced this year, reflecting the growing importance of sustainable financial practices in South Korea and the region.

The ECCK Sustainability Awards, now in its third year, celebrates European and Korean companies that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievements in sustainable business practices. ING South Korea stood out for its proactive sustainability initiatives, strategic ESG integration, and groundbreaking efforts to address local environmental challenges. The judging committee particularly commended ING’s role in supporting South Korean companies’ transition to low-carbon operations through tailored financial solutions.

Philippe van Hoof, country manager of ING South Korea, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are honoured to receive this recognition, especially as it marks our first participation in the ECCK Sustainability Awards and the inaugural year of the Green Finance category. At ING, we believe that sustainable progress is achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to ESG principles. This award reinforces our dedication to driving meaningful change and fostering a sustainable finance ecosystem in South Korea.”

Louise Kim, director of the Sustainable Solutions Group at ING South Korea, added, “This accolade highlights ING’s mission to embed sustainability into the core of our financial solutions. As first-time participants, we are pleased to be recognised for our efforts and will continue to leverage our expertise to deliver impactful ESG initiatives, supporting our clients in their journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

Double recognition for ING’s sustainable finance excellence

Adding to this milestone, ING South Korea was also honoured at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2025, winning the Best Bond – Quasi-Sovereign award in the Korea Best Deal category. This recognition underscores ING’s leadership in delivering innovative and impactful finance solutions across the Asia-Pacific region. 

Strengthening ING’s leadership in sustainable finance

In a move to bolster its leadership in sustainable finance, ING recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BNK Financial Group. This strategic partnership aims to position Busan as a global hub for renewable energy and green finance. Key initiatives under the agreement include financing for offshore wind power projects, eco-friendly shipping, and urban development. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on creating innovative financial products aligned with global ESG trends, such as overseas ESG bonds and sustainability-linked financial solutions.

The partnership also includes plans to build a robust network of ESG experts and co-host workshops to advance sustainable finance knowledge and practices. The MOU signing ceremony, held on 24 February 2025, was attended by Bin Dae-in, Chairman of BNK Financial Group, and ING representatives Jacomijn Vels (global head of Sustainable Solutions Group), Philippe van Hoof (country manager for ING South Korea), and Sally Little (head of Financial Institutions for Asia Pacific).

Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that’s not. See how we’re progressing on Opens in a new tabing.com/climate.