In 3 decades, ING Bank has become a sustainable partner of Bulgarian businesses

ING Bank Bulgaria, part of one of the largest international banks - ING Bank - marks 30 years of presence in the country. The financial institution opened its branch in Sofia on October 3, 1994, becoming one of the first international banks to step into the Bulgarian market.

ING Bank Bulgaria celebrated its anniversary with a special ceremony on November 14 at Millennium Hotel in Sofia, attended by over 200 guests, including government ministers, Bulgarian National Bank representatives, ambassadors, clients, partners, and the bank's top managers.

The elegant ceremony transported the attendees on a journey through time - between the experience of the shared past and the visions for an inspiring future.

With a drive to continuously develop, integrate innovations and focus on sustainable development, ING Bank has successfully established itself as one of the leaders in the corporate market segment, which supports the adaptation of businesses in a changing environment. Through these commitments, the bank actively contributes to the economic development and prosperity of its clients and society.

Our strategy is based on two priorities - to provide an excellent customer experience and to put sustainability at the center of our activities. With the great team at ING Bank, we are increasingly motivated to continue developing our services, putting the customer first," said Marina Kobakova, CEO of ING Bank Bulgaria, in her official address.

Photo: ING Bank Bulgaria

She praised the bank’s team and partners – both of which, are key to its success – and encouraged the guests to achieve more collective successes in the coming years.

ING Bank has set ambitious global sustainability goals to mobilize EUR 150 billion by 2027, and ING Bank Bulgaria has made a strong contribution to this. Last year, the bank structured a leading automotive company's first ESG-linked syndicated loan in Bulgaria.

ING Bank Bulgaria believes that supporting clients in improving their business models is more effective than completely shutting them out. That is why the bank consults and finances clients who are working to ensure the sustainable growth of their businesses.

We work together with our clients to address some of the most pressing issues in the world today. We strive to put sustainability at the heart of our strategy. We want to expand our capabilities in Bulgaria and do more business for many years to come,” said Andrew Bester, Head of Wholesale Banking at ING and Member of the Management Board.

"ING Bank Bulgaria's success would not be possible without its fantastic team on the ground. Many of the people I started working with at ING Bank Bulgaria 16 years ago are still my colleagues and a large part of the bank's current clients used to be my colleagues as well," stated Marina Kobakova, emphasizing that ING Bank Bulgaria is there for its clients in both good and hard times.

*The article was prepared with the assistance of ING Bank Bulgaria.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov