ING announces new €1.65 billion share repurchase even as profit lags

what happened

Dutch bank ING said on Thursday it would launch a fresh share buyback worth €1.65 billion ($1.84 billion), only days after finishing its previous programme. It also plans an additional €250 million cash distribution in January 2027.

According to Reuters, ING's third-quarter net profit rose 3.5% year on year to €1.85 billion, but fell short of the analyst consensus of €1.97 billion. Loan-loss charges of €403 million exceeded the €343 million expected, and costs edged higher. The CET1 ratio reached 13.3%, above forecasts, helped partly by two significant risk transfers that reduced the capital held against certain loans.

The bank also announced a reorganisation of its wholesale banking division, which it expects to cut around 400 jobs globally.

why it matters

ING is often seen as a bellwether for the European banking sector, offering a read on how euro zone rates affect lending margins, loan demand and capital returns. The profit shortfall reflects higher provisions, but strong capital and a large buyback may shift investor focus toward cash returned to shareholders.

market impact

ING shares: profit below forecasts weighs, while the buyback and extra payout support the stock

• ↔ING shares mixed — profit miss weighs, while buyback and extra payout add support

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