Driving Sustainable Finance in the Middle East: ING Appoints Jonathan Keyes as Head of Sustainable Finance

ING, the global wholesale bank, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Keyes as the new Head of Sustainable Finance for the Middle East region. This newly created role underscores the bank's commitment to advancing sustainable finance and environmental stewardship in one of the world's most dynamic regions.

Empowering a Sustainable Future in the Middle East

Leveraging Expertise for Sustainable Impact

Jonathan Keyes brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously held key positions at HSBC, JP Morgan, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), and Arrow Energy across Australia, Hong Kong, and the UAE. With over 14 years of expertise in sustainability and corporate responsibility, Keyes is poised to lead ING's sustainability initiatives in the Middle East, focusing on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the bank's client offerings and promoting Sustainable Finance solutions.

Aligning with ING's Strategic Pillars

"Building on our strategic pillars of superior value for customers and putting sustainability at the heart, we are thrilled to welcome Jonathan Keyes to our team in the Middle East," said Sebastian Frederiks, Head of ING in the Middle East. "Jonathan's extensive experience and passion for sustainability will be instrumental in driving our mission to support sustainable development and create long-term value for our clients."

Driving Positive Environmental and Social Outcomes

In his new role, Keyes will be responsible for developing sustainable finance solutions for the bank's clients and supporting sustainability strategies that align with ING's global objectives. He will also work closely with clients to help them achieve their sustainability goals, ensuring a collaborative approach to driving positive environmental and social outcomes.

Embracing the Low-Carbon Transition

"I am excited to join ING and lead its sustainability efforts in the Middle East," said Jonathan Keyes, Head of Sustainable Finance for the Middle East. "I look forward to collaborating with our clients and stakeholders to drive positive environmental and social outcomes as well as supporting the region's low-carbon transition efforts in a just and orderly manner."

Demonstrating Commitment to Sustainability

ING has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, which is at the heart of how it operates. This is evidenced by the bank's Climate Progress Update, which is one of the ways ING reports on the steps it is taking to be a leader in accelerating the low-carbon transition.

Financing the Sustainable Future

ING's commitment to sustainability extends beyond reporting; the bank is actively working with clients on their transitions to net zero while financing the technologies and solutions needed for a sustainable future. Recognizing that the global transition needs to include everyone, ING is also finding new ways to enable people to stay a step ahead on climate change.

Championing Collective Action

ING's senior leadership are committed to both the Middle East region and collective action, a message they were keen to underscore when they attended the United Nations Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai. This commitment is further demonstrated in the Middle East by landmark sustainability frameworks and transactions where ING has supported Sovereign Wealth Funds, regional banks, large corporate clients, and industry champions.

Reinforcing Dedication to Sustainable Finance

The appointment of Jonathan Keyes as the Head of Sustainable Finance for the Middle East reinforces ING's dedication to being a leader in sustainable finance and contributing to a more sustainable future. With Keyes' expertise and the bank's strategic focus on sustainability, the Middle East region is poised to witness a transformative shift towards a greener and more equitable economic landscape.