Each year, the world's capital market participants – issuers, investors and bankers – vote for the banks and people that impressed them most. Given the growing prominence of environmental, social, governance (ESG) funding, this year, GlobalCapital magazine created a separate category for socially responsible investment (SRI) and green bonds at its annual awards. ING was named the most impressive investment bank for financial institutions SRI/green capital markets.
The award recognises ING's distinctive approach to sustainability, which extends far beyond just arranging bond frameworks to advising clients on sustainability ratings, structuring deals, managing reporting and embedding sustainability in lending products. Sustainability is integral to the bank's decision making at every level.
"We hope the advisory and service propositions we bring to our clients are valued and this award is testament that they appreciate the work we do," says Mike Koerkemeier, ING's head of Financial Institutions Group and EMEA corporate Debt Capital Markets. Because issuers and investors vote for the best investment banks, these awards are seen as a true reflection of market opinion. Law firms and rating agencies can also vote in the annual poll. The 2021 winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 16 June.
Best bank for commodity finance
Earlier this month, ING was named as the Best Bank for Commodity Finance by Global Finance magazine at the annual Bankers Association of Finance and Trade event. The winners are selected based on input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts. The award recognises ING's response to the unprecedented landscape of 2020 with new technologies and improved capabilities to help clients succeed.
"ING put a shine on the commodities market with its continuing moves to automate," Global Finance wrote on its website, highlighting some of the digital trade finance initiatives ING is actively involved in such as Komgo, Vakt, Minehub, Marco Polo and Contour. All of these are aimed at authenticating and digitalising the documentary, financing and logistics flow.
"We are pleasantly surprised that our commitment to commodity finance, including our efforts to modernise it, are recognised by our clients and the industry. Credit goes to our teams that have worked tirelessly during these challenging times to make this possible,'' said Lynn Ng, ING's global head of Commodities, Food and Agri.