ING Groep(US:ING)2025-10-30 09:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of EUR 6 billion over the past four quarters, contributing an additional two percentage points to the CET1 capital ratio [6] - The four-quarter rolling average ROE stands at 12.6%, with an upward revision of the full-year ROE outlook to more than 12.5% [5][11] - Total income for 2025 is expected to reach around EUR 22.8 billion, with fee income growth raised to more than 10% [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail banking saw a net core lending growth of EUR 8.6 billion, primarily driven by residential mortgages [4][13] - Wholesale banking also delivered strong growth, with a significant increase in lending and trade finance services [4][13] - Fee income grew by 15% year on year, with wholesale banking achieving a quarterly record fee income of EUR 383 million [12][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer balances grew at an annualized rate of 7% in the first nine months of 2025, aligning with the company's 4% annual growth target [5] - Core deposits declined slightly by around EUR 200 million, attributed to seasonal spending patterns and the conclusion of promotional campaigns [13][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain an attractive shareholder return supported by a 50% dividend payout policy while investing in value-accretive growth [9] - The CET1 capital ratio target has been revised to around 13%, providing a buffer above the MDA threshold [8] - The company is focused on enhancing operational efficiencies and integrating generative AI capabilities across its services [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength and quality of the loan book, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [19] - The outlook for 2025 has been improved, with expectations for higher fees and stronger total income [10][21] - Management remains committed to supporting clients in their sustainability transitions, with sustainable finance volumes up 29% compared to the previous year [5] Other Important Information - The company announced a EUR 1.6 billion distribution, including a new share buyback of EUR 1.1 billion and a cash dividend of EUR 500 million [7][21] - The company is actively investing in AI to enhance customer support and streamline processes [18][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: On capital requirements and retail deposit outflows - Management indicated no additional pressure on capital requirements and attributed retail deposit outflows to seasonal effects and the conclusion of marketing campaigns [23][25][27] Question: On lending margins and AI initiatives - Management expects lending margins to normalize and emphasized that AI initiatives are being rolled out globally, not just in the Netherlands [29][30][32] Question: On tech investments and M&A focus - Management confirmed ongoing investments in AI for KYC processes and stated that M&A focus remains on enhancing market relevance and capital efficiency [36][39][88] Question: On fee growth and capital updates - Management noted strong fee growth momentum and confirmed that capital updates will follow the established cadence of Q1 and Q3 updates [80][82] Question: On deposit campaigns and retention rates - Management confirmed retention rates were consistent with historical averages and expressed confidence in the return on investment from recent campaigns [91][92]