ING Philippines Celebrates 35 Years of Empowering Leaders and Transforming Business

For 35 years, ING Philippines has been more than a financial institution — it has been a catalyst for leadership, innovation, and meaningful progress. To commemorate this milestone, the bank, in partnership with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), hosted the “Do Your Thing: Lead with Impact” Leadership Forum on September 15, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City.

Bringing together around 100 rising executives from the business and finance sectors, the event became a platform for insightful dialogue on what it truly means to lead with purpose in an era of rapid transformation.

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership

In his welcome message, Jun Palanca, Country Manager of ING Philippines, underscored the company’s mission of empowering individuals to “go further, do their thing, and create meaningful change.” He noted that this guiding philosophy has shaped ING’s three-and-a-half-decade journey in the Philippines — from pioneering financial services to nurturing leadership and innovation across industries.

“Strong leadership is essential to achieving lasting impact,” Palanca said. “This forum reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of changemakers who will define the future of business and society.”

Conversations That Inspire Change

The half-day program featured two key discussions, each offering a unique lens on leadership in today’s fast-evolving world.

The first session, a fireside chat titled “Do Your Thing: Lead with Impact,” explored how reinvention and integrity form the backbone of effective leadership. Eugene Acevedo, former President and CEO of RCBC and author of Never Stand Alone and The Future Leader, shared insights drawn from his decades-long experience in banking and transformation. Moderated by Lenin Duenas, Head of Corporate Sector and Financial Institutions Coverage at ING Philippines, the exchange delved into lessons on resilience, digital transformation, and the importance of organizational culture.

“Digital transformation is 90% transformational and only 10% digital,” Acevedo shared. “It’s really about people, not just technology. A company cannot be digitally transformed unless it is culturally ready.”

The second session, “Leading Across Generations and Beyond,” brought together young leaders who are redefining management in the age of diversity and innovation. The panel featured Carlo Puno of Globe Telecom, Raffy Montemayor of Salmon Group and Salmon Bank, Philip Dy of Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation, and Jessica Sy of SM Prime Holdings and SM Development Corporation.

Moderated by Nic Chua, Director at ING Philippines, the discussion examined how leaders can bridge generational gaps, inspire collaboration, and sustain growth while remaining true to purpose.

Strengthening Global Ties

The event also welcomed H.E. Marielle Geraedts, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines, whose presence underscored the enduring friendship between the two nations.

“We’re proud to partner with ING Philippines for this milestone,” said Paulo Duarte, President of ECCP. “As the Philippines continues to emerge as a strategic hub in Asia, cultivating strong, values-driven leadership is key to sustaining inclusive growth and innovation.”

35 Years of Doing Their Thing

Since establishing its local presence in 1990 — and later becoming the first foreign bank to secure a universal banking license in 1996 — ING Philippines has grown into one of the country’s most trusted financial institutions. The bank has facilitated 194 capital market transactions worth over USD 28 billion and advised on more than 80 mergers and acquisitions valued at USD 35 billion, reinforcing its reputation as a driving force in Philippine finance.

As ING Philippines celebrates its 35th year, it continues to look ahead — committed to shaping a future where leadership, innovation, and integrity work hand in hand to create lasting impact.