How ABN AMRO helps Belgian companies grow: an interview with Yannick Huygens

"In general, our entrepreneurs are doing well! The first figures from 2023 and 2024 show thriving growth, which is a positive signal for our economy. Entrepreneurs are constantly confronted with challenges — depending on the phase in which their company is situated. There are many internal challenges: if you are starting a company, you need capital; if you want to sell a company (partially), you need to provide a well-structured business transfer; if your company is growing strongly, you might want to consider an IPO. It’s crucial to surround yourself with experts with knowledge at these key moments."

"A company does not operate in a vacuum, of course. The coronavirus crisis is a good example of that. But also the interest rate hikes, the energy crisis ... no one could have predicted these events in advance, and they all require a specific approach, tailored to the company.

We are also very close to our clients — we have a lot of contact and regular face-to-face meetings attended by our experts and members of management. We offer tailor-made solutions and provide the necessary flexibility. If something needs to be changed, that can also be done. We think along with the client. For example, with Xior, we made repayments easier when interest rates were high.

Let’s not forget that we are currently also in a period of transition where companies have to make major changes to comply with European sustainability requirements. We can act as a bank for all these challenges. We listen, we think along, and we are solution-oriented. This benefits both the company and our relationship. A long-term vision is crucial here."

"Within ABN AMRO's extensive international network, we can rely on many experts who know very well what is happening in certain sectors. They understand the market situation, the legal framework, and they have concrete tips for dealing with specific challenges. These experts are closely involved in guiding our clients. They also attend our in-person appointments to explain insights, figures and reports from the sector. This information is not publicly available. It offers enormous added value."

"Before we start concretely, we first map out the situation of the entrepreneur and the company. We do this holistically: the growth of the entrepreneur's private wealth and the growth of their company are prioritised. As we have a very close collaboration between Corporate Banking and Private Banking in Belgium, we can map out the entire financial picture. We even have a separate service for this called Entrepreneur & Company. In this service, a specialised team handles both business and private needs. When we have a clear view of the entire situation, we can again look within our network to see which expertise, services and products are suitable for the entrepreneur.

For example, with our ESG experts, we can look at where the company stands in terms of transition and how we as a bank can support and accelerate this transition. With Xior, for instance, we helped develop their unique Sustainable Finance Framework. This makes a real estate portfolio more sustainable and makes the company more attractive to investors. Within this framework, we have also granted them a green loan."

"Through a Sustainable Finance Framework, we ensure the sustainable financing of a company. As a bank, we are really a leader in this field. We have teams with experts investigating what is happening internationally in terms of standards and obligations. But we also involve an independent agency in validating the framework to ensure that everything is in order. More restrictions are coming in January 2025. Together, we are ensuring that our clients comply with these new regulations before the deadline."

"When a company grows fast, beautiful opportunities come into view, of course. For example, Xior made the strategic choice to go public in 2015. A very smart move. This allowed them to raise the necessary capital to support their growth, increase their brand awareness and strengthen their reputation. Xior was able to raise money in the capital markets and also convince institutional investors in the bond market.

However, an IPO obviously requires a lot of preparation. At ABN AMRO, we thoroughly analyse a company, create reports and inform the market. Our service really goes further than other financial institutions."

"When a company is finally publicly listed, a whole range of new challenges arise. In this phase, ABN AMRO can quickly and digitally support entrepreneurs so they do not waste time on complicated and time-consuming procedures. For this, we have our quite unique Equity Capital Markets (ECM) services. We are market leaders, with the largest volume of deals in the Benelux, and we can offer shareholder identification as the only bank in Belgium. However, our services are very broad: equity research, creating analysis reports, organising roadshows to raise capital, setting up warrant plans, organising digital shareholders' meetings. We are a one-stop shop. Personal contact between the bank, the client and investors is central to this."

"Certainly! ABN AMRO supports companies of all sizes. Through the Forward Impact Program, we coach sustainable startups, and through the ABN AMRO Sustainable Impact Fund, we invest ourselves in sustainable companies. Even if your company is (not yet) publicly listed, we have supporting services. Think of business financing, but possibly also international cash management or guarantees. Feel free to contact us, and we will see how we can further assist you and your company."