Róbin Smaal

She realised that she missed interacting with business owners. Therefore, Róbin moved from Wholesale Banking to Business Banking, where she now works for clients in sectors including financial services, transport & logistics, and sustainable finance.

For Róbin, job satisfaction comes from helping entrepreneurs turn their plans and dreams into reality. That became crystal clear during her internship – and subsequent job – at Van Lanschot Private Banking. But even when she was still at secondary school, she knew that banking was where she wanted to be. And it still is, because it’s an industry bridging strategy, finance and people.

A multifaced role

Róbin was attracted to ING Wholesale Banking by the international aspect. She learned how to structure complex deals, but she missed having direct contact with entrepreneurs. She found what she was looking for at ING Business Banking, which serves companies generating €20 million or more. It provides them with tailor-made loans of €5 million-plus. Róbin: “As an associate, I’m closely involved in the entire customer journey and financing process. I support our team’s relationship managers and lending specialists by doing customer and market analysis, helping to think up solutions and structuring deals. And whenever possible, I join them on customer visits.”

'Wow, this client is doing something really cool - and we're part of it!'

Examples of why entrepreneurs need loans include to drive growth, to invest in new premises or equipment, to generate working capital or to finance a management buy-out. “I enjoy helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses. When I sit down with them, everything comes to life. When I pass a client’s premises while on a motorway or in a city, I think to myself: Wow, this client is doing something really cool – and we’re part of it!”

Sustainable finance

Alongside her multifaceted commercial role, Róbin is one of ING’s Sustainability Ambassadors. ING is becoming increasingly active in sustainable finance. “In this type of lending, not only a company’s financial health is important, but also the extent to which the company already contributes – or wants to contribute – to a sustainable future.” 

'I'm getting to know the bank and its people really quickly'

Róbin finds it very energising to work with motivated people – not only externally with customers, but also internally within ING. “Lending involves numerous departments. I have direct contact with colleagues from the front office, risk, the legal department and with product specialists. So, I’m getting to know the bank and its people really quickly.”

Learning fast, pulling together

She describes the culture at ING as engaged, accessible and solution-oriented. “It’s striking just how much everyone enjoys working together and helping each other. It can get very busy here sometimes, but people always make time for each other, for having fun and chatting. You also get all the support you need with personal issues. As long as the job gets done, that’s all that matters. And we pull together to ensure it always does.”