Dutch bank CEO's pay rise sparks outrage among lawmakers

Mar 8, 2018

Dutch lawmakers are expressing outrage that the CEO of a bank that was bailed out with taxpayer money during the financial crisis has been awarded a new salary they say amounts to a 50-percent pay rise

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Dutch lawmakers are expressing outrage that the CEO of a bank that was bailed out with taxpayer money during the financial crisis has been awarded a new salary they say amounts to a 50-percent pay rise.

The ING bank published details Thursday of the new salary package of CEO Ralph Hamers that show that on top of a 2.2 percent pay rise for 2018, he also will receive shares worth 50 percent of his salary.

The bank says the new pay structure "is completely in line with the principles of the Netherlands' corporate governance code."

In a tweet, Green Left party leader Jesse Klaver asks, "What universe are the top of ING living in?"

The Dutch government spent billions bailing out ING in 2008, money the bank has paid back.

More News

Trump Offers Putin Economic Relief in Hopes That Russia Will Return the Favor
Oct 18, 2026
Trump Offers Putin Economic Relief in Hopes That Russia Will Return the Favor

The Trump administration is ignoring the will of Congress and waiving new Russia sanctions amid fears that high energy prices will cost Republicans in next month’s elections.

What Is Starshield, SpaceX’s Military-Grade Satellite Internet Service Ukraine Relies On?
Oct 18, 2026
What Is Starshield, SpaceX’s Military-Grade Satellite Internet Service Ukraine Relies On?

For years, Ukraine’s armed forces have relied on satellite communication services developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Recent restrictions have hampered its war effort.

Oklahoma Families Faced the Hottest Summer Ever and an Electricity Crisis
Oct 18, 2026
Oklahoma Families Faced the Hottest Summer Ever and an Electricity Crisis

Record heat and a rising demand for electricity are closing in on Oklahoma families trying to keep the lights on and the AC running.

Gleaning group gives £1m of produce to food banks
Oct 18, 2026
Gleaning group gives £1m of produce to food banks

Gleaning Cornwall warns that more funding is needed as costs rise sharply.

What is the Budget and what could be in it?
Oct 18, 2026
What is the Budget and what could be in it?

Chancellor John Healey will set out his plans for UK taxes on 28 October.

3 Charts That Explain the Economy as Voters Head to the Polls
Oct 18, 2026
3 Charts That Explain the Economy as Voters Head to the Polls

Inflation is high, consumer spending is strong and seemingly everything depends on what happens with artificial intelligence.

United’s C.E.O. Says It Should Cost More Not to Sit in the Middle Seat
Oct 18, 2026
United’s C.E.O. Says It Should Cost More Not to Sit in the Middle Seat

Scott Kirby of United Airlines said that “it’s expensive to fly airplanes” and that airfares may have further to rise.

Turning the tides: Could hidden sea power energise our coastal towns?
Oct 18, 2026
Turning the tides: Could hidden sea power energise our coastal towns?

Engineer David Mummery has developed a tidal energy generator that he says can change lives for people living in coastal communities.

'I took a chance on the whisky industry and I haven't looked back'
Oct 18, 2026
'I took a chance on the whisky industry and I haven't looked back'

Zoey Darnbrough had no idea there was a distillery near her home - now she has a top tourism role there.

Heating oil customers face tough winter
Oct 18, 2026
Heating oil customers face tough winter

The government plans to regulate heating oil prices after increases.

There's a crackdown on sports piracy - but is it already out of control?
Oct 18, 2026
There's a crackdown on sports piracy - but is it already out of control?

The sports industry's lucrative business model is being undermined by dodgy TV sticks and illegal streaming links, writes Theo Leggett.

How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France
Oct 17, 2026
How day of protests unfolded as disorder breaks out across France

Demonstrations across the country turned violent, with cars and buildings set alight and shops ransacked.

Manage The Numbers

Manage The Numbers is the world’s fastest-growing finance news website, featuring the latest money and market news, along with in-depth analysis so you can make the best decision.

Newsletter