ING appoints new head of Wholesale Banking Middle East

Sebastian Frederiks has been appointed head of Wholesale Banking for ING in the Middle East, effective from 15 July 2021. He will report to Malgorzata Kolakowska, UK and Middle East CEO. Sebastian will lead the Dubai-based team, serving corporate clients, wealth funds and financial institutions. Supported by specialist global product teams, he will work alongside local coverage teams to deliver a comprehensive offering.

Sebastian has nearly 20 years’ experience in financial institutions, 14 years of which have been spent in the Middle East. He joined ING in 2018 to lead its Financial Institutions business in the Middle East. Before that, he worked at Standard Chartered Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Al Hilal Bank.

Congratulating Sebastian on his appointment, Malgorzata Kolakowska, UK and Middle East CEO, said, “Sebastian has a strong track record and wealth of experience in financial institutions and larger corporates, particularly within the region. ING has a long, rich history of over 40 years in the Middle East. His knowledge and network will be key to further strengthening our Middle East business and I look forward to working with him.”

Commenting on his appointment, Sebastian Frederiks said, “I am delighted to be appointed head of Wholesale Banking Middle East. A key strength ING offers to its clients is Sustainable Finance. ING Wholesale Banking Middle East has already successfully supported several top-tier clients transition into a more sustainable business through Green Bonds, Green Private Placements, ESG-linked loans and Sustainable Finance Advisories. I look forward to building on this success.”

Sebastian succeeds Serge Rahman who was head of Wholesale Banking Middle East and held several international roles with ING over the past 25 years. Serge will be returning to the Netherlands.