FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Product choice, as always, depends on the end-goal, and this is deeply interlinked with strategy and even business structure. Banks such as ING play a pivotal role in supporting the loans for this.“ Sustainable finance can act as a diagnostic tool, testing whether ambition is supported by credible data, clear accountability and a funded action plan. Our role at ING is not simply to provide a product, but to challenge constructively, bring market insight and help clients develop a structure that supports their wider business strategy. The best transactions reinforce priorities the business already owns,” Arash says.
Optimising the sustainability debt When looking at sustainable debt, the question always goes back to the balance sheet and the boardroom. Does it support the long-term success of the business? Arash notes:“ the debate often stops at whether sustainable finance is marginally cheaper today,”. Instead, he explains:“ CFOs should look beyond pricing to whether it expands the lender and investor base, preserves access to cost-effective capital and supports future funding needs.” Business strategy doesn’ t need to change tack to be successful. Often, the answer is already buried in the lines.“ Across ING’ s client base, we have seen companies identify eligible green expenditure within existing
84 November 2026