ING, a global financial powerhouse with a presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, operates with a workforce of over 50,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the bank has a strong presence in 13 Asian economies, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. Specializing in wholesale and direct banking within the Asia-Pacific region, ING’s mission is clear: to empower people to stay a step ahead in life and business.
Sustainability as a Core Strategy
Beyond empowerment, sustainability is deeply embedded in ING’s corporate strategy. The bank’s commitment to responsible banking is recognized through its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Europe and World) and the FTSE4Good Index, affirming its global sustainability leadership.
ING’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy is founded on the belief that meaningful CSR initiatives must align with an organization’s core values while addressing pressing social challenges. In Asia, ING has identified access to education as a critical area of need, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions that often fall outside the scope of traditional aid programs.
The ING Orange Bike Project
Reflecting its Dutch heritage, ING incorporates cycling into its sustainability initiatives to improve education accessibility. The ING Orange Bike Project is the bank’s flagship CSR program in Asia, using bicycles as a sustainable and practical solution to transport barriers in rural communities.
In partnership with World Bicycle Relief, a registered American charity with experience implementing similar programs in Africa, ING provides durable bicycles designed to withstand harsh rural conditions. Produced by Giant Bicycles, these sturdy bikes can carry over 200 kg, enabling students to travel to school while also serving as economic tools for their families, who use them to transport goods to market.
To ensure the program’s sustainability, ING collaborates with local partners in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These organizations oversee project implementation, monitor student attendance, and track academic performance. ING covers the costs of engaging NGOs and supports the initiative through staff-driven fundraising efforts across Asia.
Employee Engagement and Community Impact
The ING Orange Bike Cycling Challenge is a key employee engagement initiative linked to the Orange Bike Project. Every year, ING employees and their friends cycle 700 km over seven days in Asia to raise funds for CSR activities. This hands-on involvement strengthens the bank’s position as a responsible corporate citizen while fostering deeper engagement among its employees.
Beyond cycling initiatives, ING integrates sustainability into its core business activities in two critical ways. The bank educates and supports individuals and entrepreneurs, particularly during economic uncertainty, helping them establish and grow their businesses. ING also assists corporate clients in addressing fuel and energy challenges, financing landmark projects that contribute to a more sustainable future.
A Commitment to Sustainable Progress
ING’s approach to sustainability extends beyond traditional corporate responsibility by combining financial empowerment with concrete environmental and social impact initiatives. Through projects like the ING Orange Bike Project and sustainable financing efforts, the bank continues to drive positive change in society while reinforcing its role as a leader in responsible banking.
