ESG and Banking Transition: how to take the challenge

With this year's edition we are celebrating 5 years of Frankfurt Digital Finance. Many people and organizations have supported our project since then, but today our thanks go to a very specific company and its representatives: ING has supported us benevolently and actively since the early beginning. Eddy Henning, Member of the Board and Head of Wholesale Banking, and Juergen von der Lehr, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at ING Deutschland, are also actively involved in this conference. 5 years Frankfurt Digital Finance, 5 years partnership with ING. It seems only logical that today our founder, Corinna Egerer (CE), asks not three, as usual, but five questions to Eddy (EH) and Jürgen (JvL) about the topics they will speak about at #FDF2024.

CE: Eddy, you will be speaker in the “#ESG-Transformation” Cross-Industry Session at Frankfurt Digital Finance. Which are the most significant ESG topics regarding your business with corporate clients?

EH: It’s all about transition and the ambition to do so. That is what we as bank are looking for. Because if there is a will, there is a way. And there is a will. Corporates want to transform their business models and we are supporting them, be it the energy transition, the ambitions in the automotive industry etc. We can all hope that 2024 will be a good year for sustainability and sustainable finance. 

CE: How has the relevance of ESG-topics developed inside ING?

EH: ESG has been one of the strategic priorities within ING for years now. We want to finance the transition. That is our ambition and that is what we are working towards across all businesses and target groups.”

CE: Jürgen, you will host the “Banking Transition” Session at Frankfurt Digital Finance. From a strategic point of view – what are the core elements that are in transition in banking? 

JvL: The way banking is conducted is going to change fundamentally. Why? Firstly, clients will expect a much more hyper personalized offering and communication – it all needs to be more contextual. Secondly, new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, will enable services and offerings for clients that are not possible today (e.g., fully automated liquidity management or portfolio management) – this all at much lower marginal cost. Not to forget regulatory developments (e.g. FIDA regulation) which will be crucial drivers for innovation.

CE: How can banks prepare for the transition?

JvL: First of all, by acknowledging those changes. Once banks have realized that their business is changing, they will be willing to invest. Invest in their workforce, in technology and in innovation. An open mindset and the willingness to learn from other industries is equally helpful and important.

CE: Eddy and Jürgen, ING has supported Frankfurt Digital Finance since its start in 2020. Why is the conference a good platform for you? 

EH/JvL: This conference offers valuable insights and is the perfect platform to network and exchange ideas. We are happy to be a partner from day 1!