Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Corporate Responsibility?
Corporate Responsibility means that companies take responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, environment and the society at large. This means that responsible companies do not get involved in practices that harm society and our planet, regardless of legality. Furthermore, they contribute actively to positive change in society.
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What is ING’s approach?
Our ambition to be an excellent and trustworthy financial institution also includes being a company that takes its responsibilities towards people and the environment seriously. This belief is not only inspired by a desire to ‘do the right thing’ or manage our reputation. It is also about our conviction that to be a successful company, our business decisions must be in line with the expectations and interests of our stakeholders. See our movie
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What are ING’s Business Principles?
ING’s mission is to set the standard in helping our customers manage their financial future. High ethical standards are part of that mission and the ING Business Principles guide us in making the right business decisions. Read more
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Where can I find ING’s ethical guidelines, for example on financing and investing?
We have our own vision on ethical topics, the environment, people and society. This vision is translated in the policies we apply all over the world. Read more
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What does ING do for the environment?
ING is committed to conducting its business responsibly and environmental protection is a fundamental part of this commitment. Read more
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What does ING do for the community?
As a major international company, ING feels it has a responsibility to contribute positively to society. Through our main global charity programme, ING Chances for Children, we give children a real chance of securing a better future. And through our programme ‘Financial Basics’, we empower individuals and their families through financial and business literacy. Read more
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What does ING do for developing countries?
ING has several global and local initiatives focussed on developing countries. For example, the ING Chances for Children Foundation support schools in Ethiopia, Zambia and India through our global partner UNICEF. We also provide microfinance to people in rural areas in India.
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What does Financial Education mean?
Financial education programmes are aimed at educating customers and other community groups on financial planning and management, with a focus on enhancing understanding of financial concepts and on empowering individuals to make more informed financial decisions. This includes donations to youth-related programmes of non-profit organizations (e.g. Operation Hope and Aflatoun).
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Does ING have partnerships with other parties?
Yes, ING has many partnerships with groups within society and non-profit organisations around the world. To name a few:
- ING has a global partnership with UNICEF. Read more
- ING works with different local WWF chapters or with local environmental groups in several countries on the preservation on the environment and biodiversity. Read more
- ING works with several local and international organisations involved in financial education and inclusion (such as Girl Inc. or Nibud). Read more on Financial education or Microfinance
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Is ING involved in Microfinance?
Yes, ING supports the development of microfinance through dedicated products and services. By making use of our core strengths as a financial institution, ING aims to empower individuals and businesses in emerging economies. It also allows us to make the best of retail and wholesale opportunities in a responsible way, both in developed and in developing countries. Read more
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Does ING’s management care for sustainability issues?
Yes, our company’s senior management is actively involved in sustainability. Many members of our Executive Board and ING’s Management Council are ambassadors for the ING Chances for Children programme or members of our Corporate Responsibility Advisory Council and the ING Chances for Children Foundation.
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Who is responsible for the Corporate Responsibility activities and how can I find this person?
ING employees can find the person responsible for Corporate Responsibility or one of the employee programmes on the ING Intranet Portal (for ING employees only, intranet access required). You can also email us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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What is ING’s view on Climate Change?
Climate Change is no longer just an environmental issue. It has become an economic, political and development issue, affecting public health, food supply and economic growth in many parts of the world. ING is reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from its own operations, and we seek ways to incorporate the latest insights on climate change into our business, from product development to risk management. Reducing our direct CO2 footprint and understanding our indirect impact will continue to be a top priority in the years ahead.
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Where do I find more information on sustainable products and services?
We strive to meet the growing demand for products that are environmentally and socially responsible in addition to generating a good return. We offer various products that provide these benefits. Read more
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Does ING support the Millennium Development Goals?
Yes, ING contributes to the development of educational programmes in developing countries, thereby supporting the second Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of the United Nations. In our CR Performance Report you can find a full overview of the way that ING supports the other MDGs.
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What do others say about ING’s Corporate Responsibility?
Each year various external, independent research organizations investigate ING on social, environmental and ethical performance. This research is used for benchmarking and to construct leading sustainable indices such as the FTSE4Good Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In most of these benchmarks ING scores above the industry average. Read more
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How can employees contribute?
There are many ways ING employees can be involved in CR activities. For example by doing volunteering work for one of our three main charity programmes: ING Chances for Children, Orange Goes Green or Financial Basics. If there are no local volunteering projects organized within your business unit, we invite you to use our toolkits to start an initiative yourself. Read more. ING employees can also donate money to our charity projects. ING matches all employee donations made to UNICEF. Read more
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How can I donate money to ING’s programmes?
You can make a donation through your ING business unit or through our global donations programme.
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I want to help by doing volunteer assignments. What now?
Please check your local chapter for volunteering assignments. If there are no local volunteering projects in your business unit, we invite you to use our toolkits to start an initiative yourself. Read more.
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How can I set up a fundraising activity?
If you want to set up a fundraising event for ING Chances for Children, you can use the ‘Fundraising – “How to” Guidelines ’ (employees only, intranet access required). This includes best practices from across the organisation and gives you ideas to get you started.
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Can I do international volunteering assignments?
Over the years, ING has given employees the opportunity to apply for an international volunteering assignment. We are currently in the process of re-evaluating the existing programmes and for the time being no assignments will be posted. However, many ING business units do offer local volunteering programmes for their employees. Please visit your local chapter for more information. If there are no local volunteering projects in your business unit, we invite you to use our toolkits to start such an initiative. Read more
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What is the ING Global Challenge?
ING organises an annual event that captures the charitable spirit of ING employees around the world. Every November, on the United Nations International Day of the Child, employees across the organisation will come together for the annual ING Chances for Children Global Challenge and volunteer or organise fundraising activities.
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How can I participate in the Global Challenge?
Please check if your business unit is organising events for the Global Challenge in the local chapters . If not, we will be happy to provide you with the necessary tools to participate.
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How can I stay informed about news on corporate responsibility issues?
Please subscribe to our monthly newsflash.
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Why do we work with UNICEF?
UNICEF, like ING, is a globally recognized brand. Founded by the United Nations in 1946, UNICEF has a longstanding reputation for integrity and humanitarianism for which it was awarded a Nobel Prize. The scope and history of the organisation allow them to influence high level decision-makers across the world. They also collaborate with grassroots partners and existing infrastructures to achieve sustainable change. Finally, we chose to partner with UNICEF for its organisational efficiency: 93% of donated funds go directly to children in need.
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Will ING match the money donated to an organisation other than UNICEF?
ING only matches employee donations to UNICEF.
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Do you have another question?
Is there something else you would like to know about Corporate Responsibility? Email us at: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)