Materiality: focusing on what matters most

To improve as an organisation we need to identify, understand and closely manage our performance on the most important topics for our stakeholders, balancing their interest when we make decisions.

ING has been regularly conducting a materiality analysis since 2011. This provides insights into trends, business risks and opportunities that influence our ability to help us to prioritise ESG objectives and incentives.

For our most recent analysis, we have conducted a double materiality assessment (DMA), in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Previously, our materiality assessment process was based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidance. The DMA helps us understand the material impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) on the economy, environment, and people, including impacts on human rights. A sustainability matter is deemed material when it meets the criteria for impact materiality (inside-out perspective), financial materiality (outside-in perspective), or both.

ING’s double materiality assessment process and results are disclosed in ING Group's 2024 annual report, pages 97 - 102.

Our global stakeholders

We serve customers in over 40 countries and have a great number of stakeholders, each with different expectations. We have a proactive stakeholder engagement approach. Read more on our integrated approach to stakeholder engagement.