Victor Velea / ING 

Victor Velea, Business Manager at ING in Dublin highlights the key role the financial sector must play in the journey towards a sustainable future.

ING Wholesale Banking operating as a branch of ING in Dublin for over 30 years and have an established footprint within the domestic and international corporate market. Through their Dublin office, they can unlock the potential of the ING's leading international network, offering a full suite of wholesale banking products including: corporate and structured lending, payments and cash management, trade financial services, working capital solutions, financial markets, mergers and acquisitions advisory and debt capital markets.  

Sustainable finance is about directing capital into investments that prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. It focuses on backing initiatives that foster long-term environmental health, social justice, and sound governance.

With ING’s expansion into the Irish funds sector, which ranks second in Europe for ESG funds, I naturally gravitated towards sustainable finance.

While developing our strategy to enhance ING’s footprint in the Irish Fund Managers market, I quickly realized we were advocating for a brighter future by supporting local fund managers. The chance to drive positive change was the most thrilling aspect for me.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to work on projects that make a tangible difference. Knowing that our work contributes to sustainable growth and aligns with global environmental and social objectives gives me a profound sense of purpose and achievement.

I would advise building a solid foundation in finance and gaining a deep understanding of ESG principles. Keeping abreast of global trends is also crucial. Networking and hands-on experience with ESG projects are invaluable for entering this field.