ING Defence Policy
Although we do not oppose the defence industry as such, ING takes a firm stand against controversial weapons and the trade in controversial arms.
ING will not have dealings with companies in the defence sector when there is evidence that they make arms available to countries that are under a weapons embargo or to terrorists and other non-governmental armed groups. Furthermore, ING commits not to finance the trade of weapons to countries in which there is a clear risk that the weapons can be used for internal repression, serious violations of international humanitarian law or for any other purpose which cannot reasonably be considered consistent with normal and legitimate national security and defence.
Anti-personnel landmines, cluster munitions, depleted uranium ammunition and biological or chemical weapons
In light of both international agreements banning anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions and society’s general concern over depleted uranium ammunition, biological and chemical weapons, we consider these weapons to be controversial. ING will not finance the production, maintenance or trade of these weapons nor provide any financial services to companies involved in these kinds of weapons. ING will not invest its proprietary assets in controversial weapons companies and will, with the exception of discretionary mandates and trackers (ETFs), and wherever legally possible and independently enforceable by ING, ensure customer funds are not placed in such companies through ING managed funds.
Nuclear weapons
Nuclear weapons have a different character than armaments such as cluster weapons and anti-personnel landmines. Ownership, production, proliferation and use of nuclear weapons are heavily regulated, monitored, and if necessary sanctioned by the international community. Due to the fact that nuclear weapons are regulated and not fully banned by the international community, many high tech companies are involved in various ways in the nuclear armaments programmes of their respective governments. ING considers nuclear weapons to be controversial weapons as they are indiscriminate and are likely to hurt civilians when used. We therefore do not finance nuclear weapons. However, we may finance the non controversial activities of high tech companies, such as civil aviation activities, if the company guarantees that ING funds will not be used for nuclear weapon-related activities.