ING Philippines marked its 35th year in the country with a gathering of government and business leaders at the residence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighting the bank’s role in supporting the Philippines’ capital markets and sustainable finance push.
The anniversary event underscored ING’s long-running ties with the local business community and its place in the Philippine financial system since opening its Manila office in 1990.
“We are proud to mark 35 years of partnership with the Philippine business community,” said Jun Palanca, country manager of ING Philippines. “From our beginnings as a four-person team to where we stand today, this journey has been built on the trust of our clients and the relationships we forged together.”
PHOTO CAPTION: (LEFT) ING Philippines country manager, Jun Palanca welcomes partners and guests to ING Philippines’ 35th anniversary celebration.(RIGHT) Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines, Marielle Geraedts expresses her gratitude for ING’s contributions to the Philippine-Netherlands relationship.
Over three and a half decades, ING Philippines has grown into one of the country’s leading wholesale banks. It has led more than 194 capital markets transactions worth about USD 28 billion and advised on over 80 mergers and acquisitions valued at roughly USD 35 billion, working with clients across industries and economic cycles.
The bank was also the first foreign lender to secure a universal banking license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 1996, a milestone that paved the way for its involvement in landmark deals in telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, and financial services.
Chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking for ING APAC, Uday Sareen shares his appreciation for ING Philippines’ dedication to the region’s growth.
“ING Philippines is a cornerstone of our Asia-Pacific operations and a testament to what can be achieved through sustained commitment to a market,” said Uday Sareen, chief executive and head of Wholesale Banking for ING Asia Pacific. “This milestone is not just about longevity, but about shared commitment and trust with our client partners in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.”
A strong economic partnership
Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts described ING as a visible symbol of the long-standing economic partnership between the Netherlands and the Philippines.
“ING has supported the nation’s revenue goals by providing financial solutions that empower large Filipino corporations to expand trade, invest responsibly, and pursue sustainable growth,” Geraedts said. “With its growing network, new technologies, and strong talent pool, ING truly illustrates how well the Netherlands and the Philippines work together.”
BSP GovernorEli M. Remolona, Jr. expresses his gratitude for ING Philippines’ contributions to the Philippine economy.
ING has also built a reputation as a leader in sustainable finance, arranging and supporting several high-profile ESG and green bond transactions. These include Arthaland’s PHP 3-billion ASEAN Green Bond, BPI’s PHP 20.4-billion ASEAN Social Bond, PNB’s USD 300-million Sustainability Bond, and BDO’s PHP 115-billion Sustainability Bond.
For BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., the bank’s contribution goes beyond deal volumes. “From capital markets and sustainable finance to digital banking and BPO operations, ING has made a real difference,” he said. “We look forward to seeing ING grow even stronger and make an even bigger difference in the years ahead.”
Looking forward, ING Philippines said it will continue helping corporates and financial institutions navigate climate risks, regulatory changes, and a fast-evolving market environment.
Leveraging its global network and expertise, the bank aims to support clients’ energy transition efforts, digital transformation programs, and long-term sustainability strategies — positioning itself for the next chapter of growth in the Philippine economy.
