ING Group reports first quarter 2012 net income of €680 million, compared to €1,381 million in the first quarter 2011.

"The operating environment remained challenging in the first quarter, as the European sovereign debt crisis persisted, increasing volatility on financial markets. The impact of this environment was evident in our underlying results, which declined from a strong first quarter last year; however, earnings for both Bank and Insurance improved from the previous quarter," said Jan Hommen, CEO of ING Group.

"Bank results rose 65.1% from the fourth quarter, supported by lower impairments, despite a negative CVA/DVA adjustment in the first quarter of 2012. Expenses declined compared with both prior quarters, and loan loss provisions improved slightly from the fourth quarter, but are expected to remain elevated given the weakening economic environment in Europe. Although competition for savings remained intense, Retail Banking attracted EUR 11.4 billion in new deposits, further strengthening the funding position of ING Bank, and on professional markets the Bank raised EUR 9.2 billion of long-term funding. The capital position strengthened further with a 10.9% core Tier 1 ratio."

"Insurance results recovered from the fourth quarter, though underlying earnings continue to be impacted by mark-to-market losses on hedges to protect regulatory capital. Operating results remained solid, driven by a strong investment margin and higher fees and premium-based revenues as sales gained momentum in Asia, the US and Central Europe."

"While ING welcomed the favourable court ruling on ING’s appeal against the European Commission, we remain committed to the decision to separate the banking and insurance operations, and are making good progress in preparing our Insurance and Investment Management businesses for stand-alone futures in Europe and the US."

• ING Group 1Q12 net profit totalled EUR 680 million, including the impact of divestments and special items.
• Bank underlying result before tax increased 65.1% from 4Q11 to EUR 1,126 million, helped by lower impairments. Results include EUR -304 million of valuation adjustments (CVA/DVA) and fair value changes on own Tier 2 debt as credit spreads tightened. Excluding that impact, Bank results were down just 6.8% from a strong 1Q11.
• Insurance posted an operating result of EUR 475 million, supported by a strong investment margin and higher fees and premium-based revenues. Sales rose 5.1% from 1Q11, and jumped 29.6% from 4Q11. Underlying results were impacted by losses on hedges to protect regulatory capital, leading to a pre-tax underlying loss of EUR 18 million.
• Capital ratios remained strong: ING Bank’s core Tier 1 ratio strengthened to 10.9%, reflecting the sale of ING Direct USA and ongoing capital generation. The Insurance IGD solvency ratio remained stable at 225%.
• ING has begun discussions with the Dutch State, and together with the State will soon start discussions with the European Commission following the favourable court ruling on ING's appeal.