ING prioritizes niche expansion over large-scale bank mergers

The lender is currently executing a strategy of "filling in the blanks" across its international footprint, evidenced by recent moves into the private wealth segments in Spain and Poland. By expanding these services into markets where they were previously absent, the bank intends to bolster its fee and commission income. This shift is designed to reduce the organization's heavy reliance on revenue driven by interest rates, positioning it closer to the performance profile of its European peers.

Van Rijswijk noted that while current interest rates provide a comfortable margin, a broader fee base is essential to weather future economic headwinds. The bank has set an explicit goal to raise fee income to between 25% and 35% of total revenue over the long term. Current internal projections are more conservative, targeting 20% by the end of 2025 and 21% by 2027, highlighting the gradual nature of this structural transition for the global retail and wholesale provider.