🧾 What This Document Is

This is a 6-K form, which is a report foreign companies like ING (based in the Netherlands) must file with the U.S. SEC to announce major news. Think of it as a press release wrapper.

👉 In simple terms: ING is telling the U.S. market, "Here's our latest update on the big share buyback we're doing."

🏢 What The Company Does

ING Groep N.V. is a global bank with its roots in Europe. Through its operating company ING Bank, it provides banking services to people and businesses in over 100 countries. Its slogan is about "empowering people to stay a step ahead."

👉 In simple terms: It's a massive international bank that helps with everyday banking (like your account) and big business finance (like corporate loans).

🔍 The Buyback Progress Update

The core of this filing is an update on ING's €1.1 billion share repurchase program.

• Last Week's Activity: During the week of March 30 to April 2, 2026, ING bought back 1,087,122 shares.
• Cost of Last Week: These shares were purchased at an average price of €22.21 each, for a total of €24,149,167.57.
• Total Program Progress: Since the program started, ING has spent €1,021,081,625.34 to buy back 43,631,741 shares at an average price of €23.40.
• The Big Number: The program is now 92.83% complete. They've spent almost all of the €1.1 billion they set aside.

👉 Why it matters: This shows ING is steadily executing its plan to return a huge amount of cash to shareholders by buying its own stock off the market.

💰 Why Companies Do This (The "So What?")

A share buyback reduces the number of a company's shares that are publicly traded. Here's why that's a big deal:

• Increases Ownership Slice: With fewer shares out there, each remaining share represents a slightly larger piece of the company.
• Signals Confidence: It shows the company's management believes its own stock is a good investment.
• Uses Excess Cash: It's a way for a profitable company (like a bank) to reward shareholders directly instead of just hoarding cash.

👉 The takeaway: ING is using its profits to make your shares of the company more valuable (if you're a shareholder).

🏦 Company Snapshot & ESG Standing

The filing reminds us that ING is a major player:

• Employees: Over 60,000
• Listed On: Amsterdam, Brussels, and New York (via ADRs).
• ESG Credentials: ING highlights its strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings. It was upgraded to MSCI's top 'AAA' rating in October 2025 and has a low-risk score from Sustainalytics. This is important for many modern investors.

📅 What's Next & Contact Info

The buyback program is nearing its finish line (92.83% done). For the nitty-gritty details, ING points to weekly updates on its website. For questions:

• Press Enquiries: ING Group Media Relations at +31 20 576 5000 or [email protected]
• Investor Enquiries: ING Group Investor Relations at +31 20 576 6396 or [email protected]

🧠 The Analogy

Think of ING's share buyback like a family-owned pizza restaurant where the original owners are buying back slices from other investors. By purchasing most of the slices (92.83% in this case), the remaining owners (shareholders) each now own a bigger piece of the entire restaurant and its profits. The restaurant is using its cash profits to do this.

🧩 Final Takeaway

This filing is a simple progress report showing ING is almost done executing its €1.1 billion plan to buy back its own shares, a move designed to reward its shareholders and signal confidence in its own value.