ING operates as a mostly digital retail and commercial bank using online and mobile channels to serve customers across several European markets, positioning itself as a direct banking partner for everyday financial services without relying on large branch networks. The company maintains #1 Net Promoter Score (NPS) in five of nine retail markets and is executing a growth strategy focused on digitalization, operational scalability, and customer experience.
Cyborg Score Rationale
In Q1 2026, ING delivered strong results with net profit of €1,556 million (up 6.9% year-over-year) and net result reaching €1,556 million, driven by increases in mobile primary customers, lending, and fee income. The earnings mix is supported by both fee-based income and commercial net interest income rather than a single revenue driver. The bank targets >14% return on tangible equity in 2026 and >15% in 2027, with expectations for 1 million additional mobile primary customers annually and 5–10% fee income growth.
Top Insights
Commercial net interest income reached €4,060 million (up 12%), and fee income rose 13% year-over-year to €1,236 million in Q1 2026.
As of Q1 2026, ING served approximately 40.8 million customers across nine retail markets and a wider wholesale banking footprint.
Operating expenses are projected at €12.6–€12.8 billion in 2026 (~€13 billion in 2027), with 2027 total income expected to exceed €25 billion and ROTE above 15%.
Management targets 14% ROE, €5B fee income, and €150B sustainable finance by 2027, led by digital and ESG focus (February 2026).
Named Competitors
BNP Paribas Fortis — Pan-European retail and investment banking
Deutsche Bank — Universal banking across Europe and Asia
Rabobank — European cooperative bank with focus on agriculture and SMEs
Santander — Pan-European retail and commercial banking
UniCredit — European universal bank
Recent Developments
(April 2026) ING launched €1 billion share buyback following strong Q1 2026 results with lifted profit and upgraded commercial net interest income guidance to €16.5–€16.7 billion for full year 2026.
(April 2026) Ljiljana Cortan appointed as head of Wholesale Banking, succeeding Andrew Bester at the Annual General Meeting.
(March 2026) AI-driven operational excellence initiative announced to deliver cost savings, scalability, and accelerated growth.
(February 2026) Full-year 2025 results: net result reached €6.3 billion with 13.1% CET1 capital ratio and robust lending and fee growth.
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