What does your role as a private banker involve?

My role is to be the point of contact for my clients. I am the person they turn to, whether they have a very practical question or a more strategic one. That can range from advice before travelling abroad to discussions about investments and longer-term plans. 

I mainly work with entrepreneurs and self-employed clients. Within private banking at ING, there are several client segments, including families, institutions, very high net worth individuals, professionals such as lawyers or doctors, and SME owners. What makes ING quite unique is the strong synergies with business banking and our connections with teams such as mortgages and estate planning. 

What kind of mindset is needed in this job?

You need energy, initiative and a positive attitude. You always try to create value, even though you know that not every situation has an immediate solution.  

Building strong relationships also requires a solid understanding of what your bank can offer. At ING, the scope is very broad. Clients rely on us because they expect strong expertise. They often come to us with questions that go beyond their own financial knowledge, and they trust us to guide them. 

How do you adapt your approach to different clients?

Empathy plays an important role, but every relationship is different. Some clients mainly want reassurance and availability. Others are very focused on figures and will build trust once they see that your advice is well founded. There are also clients who are strongly oriented towards growth and expect you to help them move forward. 

The dynamic of a meeting depends on the time available. Sometimes you need to focus very precisely on one topic. When there is more space, you can broaden the conversation and address other aspects that matter to the client. 

How would you describe the culture of collaboration at ING?

This is definitely not an isolated role. ING has many departments that work very closely together, and the level of interaction is high. When a case requires specific expertise, you can easily involve colleagues from other fields. That collaborative environment is a real asset, both for clients and for your own development. 

You also work in close partnership with your assistant. We function as a real duo. They know the clients extremely well and can ensure continuity when you are absent, for example during holidays. That shared knowledge makes a big difference in terms of service quality. 

What kind of freedom do you have as a private banker?

The role comes with a high degree of autonomy. You know what is expected, but you have the freedom to organise your work in your own way. That also requires discipline and structure, because no day is predictable. Meetings can change at the last minute, and it is important to be able to switch quickly and use available time efficiently to handle urgent matters. 

I joined ING in 2018 as a lawyer and became a private banker in 2024. My legal background is a strong advantage, as many client situations involve legal considerations. I have always been interested in finance, and this role allows me to combine both worlds. 

What are ING’s key strengths for clients?

One of ING’s biggest strengths is the depth of expertise available. You are supported by a large network of specialists, which gives you confidence when advising clients. As a private banker, you continue to build that internal network over time, which is both challenging and enriching. 

For clients, this means they benefit from a bank that performs strongly and offers a wide range of solutions under one roof. That combination of scale, expertise and collaboration creates trust and allows you to deliver consistent and high-quality advice.