Head of Interest Rate & Financial Markets Risk

ING Belgium; Brussel; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

ING Belgium seeks a senior leader to head the Interest Rate & Financial Markets Risk function. You will steer the IRRBB framework, challenge balance sheet strategies, and interact with Business, Treasury, and regulators.

A strategic, people-led role shaping the bank's resilience and risk posture in a dynamic market. You will manage a high-caliber team reporting to the Head of Balance Sheet Risk, collaborating with Finance, Front Office, and ING Group, while representing ING Belgium in

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a quantitative field; CFA/FRM assets are beneficial.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in ALM, Treasury, IRRBB or Financial Risk Management.
• Proven leadership of high-performing teams with strategic influence.
• Strong balance sheet risk management expertise and regulatory know-how.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management at senior levels.
• Proficiency in English; French/Dutch is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead ING Belgium's IRRBB and related financial market risks with robust governance.
• Provide independent challenge to Business and Treasury on balance sheet strategy, hedging, and risk appetite.
• Represent ING Belgium to regulators and external auditors.
• Shape IRRBB framework, methodologies, and risk management practices.
• Drive innovation, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Develop and coach a high-performing risk team and foster an inclusive culture.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in quantitative discipline

CFA and/or FRM qualifications (asset)

Job description

Your role & work environment

As Head of Interest Rate & Financial Markets Risk, you will lead the Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book (IRRBB) function of ING Belgium and play a critical role in shaping the bank's balance sheet strategy and long-term resilience.

As an independent second-line risk leader, you will provide robust and evidence-based challenge to Business and Treasury, ensuring that strategic decisions remain aligned with ING's risk appetite, regulatory expectations, and customer interests. In an increasingly dynamic market and regulatory environment, you will help ING Belgium anticipate emerging risks, navigate uncertainty, and seize opportunities while safeguarding the bank's financial strength.

You will lead a team of highly skilled risk professionals and report to the Head of Balance Sheet Risk, a direct report to the Chief Risk Officer of ING Belgium. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Financial Risk, Treasury, Finance, Front Office, and ING Group functions, you will have direct influence on key strategic decisions. You will also represent ING Belgium in interactions with regulators and external auditors.

This is a unique opportunity to combine deep technical expertise, strategic influence, regulatory engagement, and people leadership within one of the bank's most important risk domains.

Your key responsibilities

Shape and strengthen the IRRBB framework

You will be responsible for overseeing ING Belgium's IRRBB and related financial market risks, ensuring robust governance, sound risk management practices, and continuous enhancement of the risk framework.

You Will:

• Strengthen IRRBB methodologies, frameworks, governance, and risk management practices while anticipating future market developments and emerging risks.
• Monitor the impact of macroeconomic trends, interest rate movements, and market disruptions on ING's balance sheet.
• Ensure that risks generated by retail and commercial banking activities are appropriately identified, measured, monitored, and managed in line with business objectives.
• Provide independent, timely, and evidence-based challenge to Business and Treasury regarding balance sheet strategy, hedging activities, pricing assumptions, behavioural models, limit utilisation, and risk acceptance.
• Escalate material risk concerns when necessary and ensure management decisions remain transparent, well documented, and aligned with the approved risk appetite.
• Contribute actively to ALM committees and governance forums, bringing a strong second-line perspective and influencing senior decision-making.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with regulators, including the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) and the European Central Bank (ECB).
• Represent ING Belgium within ING Group and contribute to the development and evolution of Group-wide IRRBB standards and best practices.

Drive innovation and future readiness

Beyond day-to-day risk oversight, you will challenge the status quo and help shape the future of interest rate risk management within ING Belgium.

You Will:

• Support strategic initiatives related to IRRBB and balance sheet management.
• Anticipate regulatory, technological, and market developments and translate them into actionable improvements.
• Promote innovation, analytical excellence, and data-driven decision-making.
• Drive the adoption of enhanced methodologies, modelling techniques, and risk management tools.
• Foster a forward-looking risk culture that proactively adapts to changing market conditions and supervisory expectations.

Lead and develop a high-performing team

As a people leader, you will create an environment in which talented professionals can thrive, collaborate, and grow.

You Will:

• Inspire, coach, and develop a team of risk professionals, supporting both their professional and personal growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and constructive feedback.
• Encourage an entrepreneurial mindset where team members take ownership, challenge existing practices, and proactively create value.
• Build an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team focused on high performance and collective success.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, sound judgement, resilience, and authenticity in times of change and transformation.

We look for

A colleague with a talent for taking it on and making it happen, a passion for helping others succeed, and the ability to stay one step ahead.

You are an inspiring leader who combines deep expertise with curiosity, strategic vision, sound judgement, and the courage to provide independent and constructive challenge, even in complex situations involving senior stakeholders.

As Head of Interest Rate & Financial Markets Risk, you also bring:

• A master's degree in a quantitative discipline such as Financial Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Econometrics, Actuarial Sciences, or a related field. CFA and/or FRM qualifications are considered a strong asset.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in ALM, Treasury, IRRBB, Financial Risk Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong expertise in balance sheet risk management, including behavioural modelling, earnings and economic value sensitivity, stress testing, hedging strategies, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading strategic and cross-functional initiatives involving senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of French and/or Dutch is an asset.

What we offer

At ING, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a place where your expertise, ambition, and leadership can make a real impact.

We Offer:

• Challenging work with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• A dynamic and innovative environment where new ideas are encouraged and valued.
• Talented and supportive colleagues who will help you succeed.
• A progressive and agile way of working focused on collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Exposure to strategic topics that directly influence the future of the bank.

Within the Balance Sheet Risk department, you can count on:

• A highly professional and collaborative environment.
• Significant exposure to senior decision-makers and key strategic discussions.
• Challenging projects with a steep learning curve.
• The opportunity to work autonomously while collaborating with experienced specialists across ING Belgium and ING Group.

We redefine banking. What about you?

We're building the bank of the future: customer-focused, technology-driven, and powered by people who challenge themselves and each other to stay a step ahead.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, shape strategic decisions, and lead one of ING Belgium's key risk functions, we'd love to hear from you.