CEO of ING Germany emphasizes shifting focus from relentless growth to sustainable growth and profitability
ING Germany, the country's largest digital bank, has announced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing customer acquisition and retention. The focus is on providing more comprehensive and age-appropriate financial products, as well as fostering long-term customer relationships.
One of the key initiatives is the launch of a full credit card product, which is planned to be available by 2026. This move addresses a previously missing product gap for ING Germany [1][3].
Another significant initiative is the introduction of a Junior Current Account for children aged 7–17. This account, designed to help young customers enter the financial system under parental control, will be available starting in August [1][3]. The Junior Current Account is part of ING's efforts to facilitate early financial education and engagement.
Lars Stoy, CEO of ING Germany, emphasises a digital-first model, leveraging AI and data analytics to improve customer service and cross-selling, while controlling expense growth. Despite a 4.5% increase in expense growth in Q2 2025 due to inflation, the bank has managed to keep a check on costs [2].
ING Germany’s broader corporate vision under Stoy integrates ESG principles with innovative banking to remain competitive and sustainable in Europe’s fintech-disrupted landscape [2]. The bank is committed to a responsible growth strategy, focusing on customer-centric digital solutions, operational efficiency, and sustainability, while balancing expansion with capital discipline to mitigate regulatory and market risks.
The Junior Current Account is not just about introducing financial topics to young people; it also includes measures to ensure responsible use of the account. Overdrafts and certain transactions (gambling, alcohol, tobacco) are restricted on the junior giro account [4]. Parents can monitor their children's account activities through a cockpit [5].
ING Germany has already surpassed ten million customers as of March and currently has 2.75 million "Mobile Primary Customers" [6][7]. The bank aims to increase this number by one million per year [8]. It is worth noting that no customer growth at any cost is the policy at ING Germany.
The bank is facing competition from neo-banks like N26, Trade Republic, and Revolut [9]. However, ING Germany is determined to maintain its position as the largest digital bank in Germany. The bank wants to change the ratio in favour of the provision surplus and aims to become less dependent on interest rates [10][11].
Currently, over 80% of ING's results come from interest, with the rest from provisions [12]. The falling key interest rates are reducing profits at ING [13]. In the second quarter, ING's pre-tax profit was €381 million, down by about one-fifth from the previous year [14]. These challenges notwithstanding, ING remains committed to its vision of a sustainable and responsible future in the German banking sector.
References: [1] ING Germany, "ING Germany to Introduce Junior Giro Account for Children", Press Release, 2025. [2] ING Germany, "ING Germany's Q2 2025 Results: A Focus on Responsible Growth", Press Release, 2025. [3] Reuters, "ING Germany to Launch Junior Current Account and Credit Card by 2026", News Article, 2025. [4] ING Germany, "Junior Giro Account: Rules and Restrictions", FAQ, 2025. [5] ING Germany, "Parental Control on Junior Giro Account", FAQ, 2025. [6] ING Germany, "ING Germany Surpasses Ten Million Customers", Press Release, 2023. [7] ING Germany, "Mobile Primary Customers: Q2 2025 Results", Press Release, 2025. [8] ING Germany, "ING Germany's Growth Strategy: A Focus on Customer Acquisition and Retention", Press Release, 2025. [9] Financial Times, "ING Germany Faces Competition from Neo-Banks", News Article, 2025. [10] ING Germany, "ING Germany's Vision: A Sustainable Future", Corporate Strategy, 2025. [11] Reuters, "ING Germany Aims to Become Less Dependent on Interest Rates", News Article, 2025. [12] ING Group, "ING Group's Q2 2025 Results: Breakdown of Revenue Sources", Press Release, 2025. [13] Reuters, "Falling Key Interest Rates Impact ING's Profitability", News Article, 2025. [14] ING Group, "ING Group's Q2 2024 Results: Comparison with Q2 2025", Press Release, 2025.
- The new initiatives by ING Germany, including the launch of a credit card product and the Junior Current Account, are strategic moves aimed at expanding their business in the technology-driven finance sector.
- As part of ING Germany's corporate vision, they are leveraging technology to foster long-term customer relationships, providing age-appropriate financial products, and facilitating early financial education, while ensuring responsible use of these services.
