ING announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its Asian Private Banking business to Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC Bank) for a consideration of US$ 1,463 million (around EUR 1 billion) in cash. OCBC Bank is Singapore’s longest established local bank and offers a wide range of specialist financial services.
Jan Hommen, CEO of ING: “Today’s announcement reflects the momentum and the strength of our strategic transformation. Through the Back to Basics Programme, ING will simplify its organisation and will reduce its geographic and business scope, focusing on its positions in markets with the strongest franchises. After today’s transaction we have completed the divestment programme of our Private Banking business. ING Private Banking in the Benelux and Central Eastern Europe remain integral parts of ING.”
The transaction will generate an estimated net profit for ING of approximately EUR 300 million and is expected to free up around EUR 370 million of capital. Completion of the transaction between ING and OCBC Bank is subject to a number of regulatory approvals and is expected to occur around year end.
ING’s Asian Private Banking has around EUR 11 billion of assets under management. The Asia franchise offers private banking services in 11 markets, including Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore.
Eli Leenaars, CEO Retail Banking, commented: “With OCBC Bank we found a solid new owner for our Asian Private Banking Business. OCBC Bank is a professional player offering a wide range of specialist financial services. ING remains confident about Asia’s long-term financial and economic prospects and potential and we are committed to our other existing Asian banking positions.”
ING remains active in Asia with retail banking, insurance, wholesale banking, investment management and real estate.
