How would you describe your role as a private banker?

I work mainly with families. That means building long term relationships and following clients through different phases of their lives. Trust and confidentiality are essential in that process. You spend a lot of time getting to know people, and that closeness is what allows you to support them properly. 

At ING, private banking is organised around different client segments. Even though each private banker has a main focus, clients are not always limited to one category. If questions arise in other areas, you remain their contact person. That continuity is very important. 

What kind of person do you need to be in this role?

Organisation is key. You need to be ready and available when a client suddenly needs urgent support. That structure gives you the freedom to truly be there when it counts. 

I like to stay close to my clients and to anticipate rather than react. Being proactive allows you to support them at key moments and not only when a problem appears. That is how strong relationships are built over time. 

And what about numbers in your job?

I often joke that I do not like numbers. That is not completely true, but I am not driven by figures alone. Trust is not created through numbers. It comes from understanding the person in front of you and adapting to their needs. 

Some clients are very patient, others are more demanding. You have to adjust your approach, stay solution oriented and remain flexible. That human sensitivity is what makes the difference in the relationship. 

How important is teamwork in private banking?

The private banker is at the centre of the relationship, but never stands alone. We are supported by many experts, such as legal specialists and assistants who help with day to day follow up. It is a very collective way of working. 

We often involve experts directly in client discussions or work together internally to prepare the best possible approach. Wealth planners, for example, play an important role in specific situations. They help structure complex topics such as legal matters or family planning and work through different scenarios. It really feels like working as one team. 

Why did you choose private banking at ING?

I have always been interested in the financial markets. My father used to follow the stock exchange closely, which sparked that interest early on. I have now been with ING for fourteen years. I am French and I was really glad to find a job at ING when I moved to Belgium. 

What I value a lot here is the genuine interest colleagues take in one another. That fits perfectly with our work. You need to care about people and want to understand what drives them. Their passions, their family dynamics, their relationship with their children. Those details matter, not only for the solutions we offer, but also for the events and initiatives we organise around them. 

What makes ING strong for clients?

The ING Group has a very solid reputation. It is a well-known and reliable bank with strong rankings. I also appreciate the independent approach. We work with highly regarded asset managers and have access to recognised expertise in areas such as investments, credit and insurance. 

I also like that ING is constantly evolving. There is always movement and a desire to move forward. I feel good working here, and clients sense that as well. 

What makes you proud in your work?

What makes me proud is seeing trust grow. I remember a client who was introduced to me by a former colleague and who was known to be very demanding. With each interaction, the relationship became stronger. Bringing in other experts at the right moments played a big role in that. 

Those experiences clearly show the impact of our work. They confirm how important the relationship is and how powerful teamwork can be. That is what gives me the most satisfaction as a private banker.