Amsterdam — Good access to banking services is important for residents, businesses and the local economy. On Saba and Sint Eustatius, such access cannot be taken for granted: banking services are very limited and opportunities for personal contact with a bank are scarce. ING is helping to change that.
On 24 November, the bank will open a branch on Sint Eustatius, followed by a branch on Saba on 26 November. The new branches will bring ING’s services closer to customers and provide personal support with their everyday banking needs. The openings mark a first step in the further development of ING’s services on the islands.
With the opening of these branches, ING is putting into practice its previously announced intention to make banking services more accessible on both islands. In recent months, ING has made extensive preparations and held discussions with the Ministry of Finance and De Nederlandsche Bank.
“When access to banking services cannot be taken for granted, having a local presence makes a real difference. That is why I am proud that ING is literally opening its doors on Saba and Sint Eustatius. We want to be close at hand and personally available to residents and businesses alongside digital services. Our ambition is clear: to align our services as closely as possible with what ING customers in the European Netherlands are accustomed to. In this way, we are bringing banking closer and contributing to the economic development of Saba and Sint Eustatius,” said Peter Jacobs, CEO of ING Netherlands.
Personal support and familiar digital banking services
At the new branches, retail and business customers can get help with their banking needs and receive personal support in using ING’s digital services. From the opening, customers will be able to open a current account, apply for a debit card and use digital banking, among other services. Business customers will be able to open a business account. Customer service will be provided through ING’s regular service channels. Cash services on both islands are provided by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), which has installed new ATMs.
The same ambition, tailored to the islands
Saba and Sint Eustatius are special municipalities of the Netherlands, but are not part of the European Union and use the US dollar. The legal and regulatory framework, supervision and available financial infrastructure also differ from those in the European Netherlands.
ING’s services will therefore be tailored to the islands’ specific status and local circumstances, combining personal support with digital services. The ambition is to ultimately offer customers as many of the same banking options as possible as in the European Netherlands.
The range of services will be carefully developed and expanded further over the coming period.
