As geopolitical uncertainty and trade policy disruptions become the new normal, ING continues to deliver on its growth ambition in Switzerland. With a strong focus on export-driven companies, private markets and financial institutions,, the bank is positioning itself as a leading  international partner for the Swiss financial and industrial sector, with the ambition to double its financial institutions business by 2032.

Gregory Lambillon, CEO & Country Manager of the bank in  Switzerland, sees clear opportunities to step up and support Swiss clients and is positive in his outlook. «We see the  growth potential even in mature markets – and we are continuing to expand our expertise across numerous sectors in the country,» he says. These include healthcare&pharmaceuticals, energy/utilities and financial institutions. In the last sector, ING advises private market players on international transactions in infrastructure, renewables and real estate asset , among others .

Export economy under stress / Challenges for the Swiss export economy

ING expects uncertainty, dislocation and technological transformation  across the global economy to remain structural – even beyond the current US policy. «We must be agile and adapt to a world of continuous change,» says Gregory Lambillon, The bank sees this as an opportunity to support Swiss companies whose business models heavily rely on exports and functioning supply chains. Anticipating and mitigating trade risks, supply chain disruptions, regionalisation, going through stress tests and contingency planning are becoming increasingly important, he says. This is exactly where ING wants to reinforce its advisory role. «With our global network and local sector expertise  we help our Swiss customers position themselves better worldwide,» says Lambillon, emphasising the agility of the Swiss economy.

Private markets: Switzerland's advantage

A second focus for ING is providing services to private market firms and institutional investors. «With many asset managers, the world's leading wealth management industry and a large institutional investor base, Switzerland is very well positioned in this area,» says Marc Schweizer, Head of Financial Institutions at ING Switzerland.

ING also wants to  be more involved in cross-border projects, infrastructure and energy,  in particular, relying on sector expertise paired with local know-how in the respective jurisdictions such as financing photovoltaic projects in Spain, data centres in Italy or wind farms in Northern Europe. At the same time, when dealing with Swiss projects, such as hydropower, the specific knowledge of local regulatory frameworks is crucial. «That’s where having people on the ground combined with sector expertise makes a big difference,» says Lambillon. 

Financial institutions: high ambitions

According to ING, payment transactions are also becoming a focus in the banking sector – particularly in light of the announced discontinuation of certain Euro SEPA services at the end of 2027. «Instant payments are also becoming increasingly relevant for Swiss institutions to preserve seamless access to the European market,» says Marc Schweizer.

Another trend is the increased use of the euro market for capital market financing. «We see that Swiss financial institutions are placing more euro-denominated issuances  across the entire capital structure,» he says.