ING Research Analyst interview questions & guide 2026

Preparation for the Research Analyst role should be structured around demonstrating both your technical foundation and your strategic mindset. ING interviewers look for candidates who can connect the dots between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Role-related Knowledge – This covers your understanding of financial markets, economic indicators, and the specific domain you are applying to. You must be prepared to discuss current market trends and demonstrate that you follow industry news beyond basic headlines.

Problem-solving Ability – You will be evaluated on your ability to structure ambiguous problems. When faced with a case or a scenario, show your interviewer how you break down the problem, identify key variables, and arrive at a logical conclusion.

Communication and Clarity – As an analyst, your value lies in your ability to simplify complex data. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, ensuring that your interviewers can follow your reasoning from premise to insight.

Culture Fit and Values – ING prioritizes collaboration and a proactive learning mindset. Be ready to share examples of how you have navigated team dynamics and how you embody the "Orange Code" of being honest, prudent, and responsible.

The hiring process for a Research Analyst at ING is designed to be thorough yet professional, focusing on both your technical baseline and your long-term potential. You can expect a multi-stage process that typically begins with a document review, followed by rounds of interviews that may involve team members, managers, and, in later stages, senior leadership. The tone is generally collaborative; interviewers are often described as friendly and interested in your personal development.

The process is characterized by a mix of behavioral inquiries and discussions regarding your past performance and academic background. You should expect to be challenged on the details provided in your CV, so ensure you are prepared to discuss your past projects with precision. The interviewers are not just looking for a "right" answer; they are observing how you think, how you handle pressure, and how you communicate your findings.

The visual timeline above illustrates the standard progression from initial application to final offer. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring that you are ready to discuss your academic credentials early on and transition into more strategic, experience-based discussions as you reach the later, more senior-level interviews.

Analytical Rigor and Technical Proficiency

This area evaluates your ability to handle data and financial models. You are expected to demonstrate accuracy and a deep understanding of the metrics relevant to the position.

Be ready to go over:

• Financial modeling basics – Understanding how to build and interpret financial scenarios.
• Data synthesis – The ability to take disparate data points and form a coherent summary.
• Academic performance – Be prepared to discuss your grade list and academic projects.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through how you analyzed the data in your most recent project."
• "What metrics would you prioritize when evaluating the stability of this specific asset class?"

Market Awareness and Commercial Acumen

This is a critical differentiator. Strong candidates show that they are not just students of theory but active observers of the market.

Be ready to go over:

• Market trends – Knowledge of current interest rate environments or sector-specific volatility.
• Competitor analysis – Understanding how ING compares to its peers in specific markets.
• Recent deals – Familiarity with high-profile transactions involving ING.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "If you were advising a client on current market conditions, what would be your top three takeaways?"
• "How has the recent [specific market event] changed your perspective on banking?"

As a Research Analyst, your primary responsibility is to act as the eyes and ears of the team regarding market shifts. You will spend your day gathering data, performing desk research, and drafting reports that inform investment or risk management decisions. You are expected to be proactive, identifying risks or opportunities before they become mainstream consensus.

Collaboration is essential to this role. You will often work alongside front-office teams, product managers, and risk specialists. You must be comfortable translating your technical research into formats that non-technical stakeholders can easily digest. You are not just creating reports; you are contributing to the strategic narrative of the bank.

A strong candidate for this position brings a combination of strong academic foundations and a demonstrable passion for finance.

• Must-have skills:
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in financial data tools and Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
• A deep, genuine interest in financial markets and current affairs.
• Nice-to-have skills:
• Experience with data visualization tools.
• Previous internships in banking, consulting, or research-heavy roles.
• Fluency in multiple languages relevant to the region of operation.

Q: How difficult are the interviews for this role? A: Most candidates describe the difficulty as manageable, ranging from easy to average. The key is to be well-prepared on market knowledge and to be authentic in your responses regarding your personal motivations.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing? A: You should dedicate at least one to two weeks to researching current market trends and practicing your answers to behavioral questions. Being deeply familiar with ING history and recent deals will set you apart.

Q: Is there a technical coding test for this role? A: Generally, the focus is on financial and market analysis rather than software engineering. However, you should be prepared to discuss any technical tools or methodologies you have used in your academic or professional background.

Q: What is the best way to stand out? A: Show that you are intellectually curious. The most successful candidates are those who ask insightful questions about the team’s current challenges and demonstrate a clear vision for how they want to grow within ING.

• Understand the "Why": Don't just report the news; explain the "why" behind market movements. ING values analysts who can provide context and depth.
• Know your CV: You will be asked about specific projects on your resume. Be ready to explain your contribution, the challenges you faced, and the results you achieved.
• Practice your "Story": Have a clear, concise narrative about why you are pursuing a career in research and why ING is the right place for you to do it.
• Stay current: Read financial news daily in the week leading up to your interview. Being able to reference a story from that morning shows high engagement.

The Research Analyst role at ING offers an exceptional opportunity to influence strategic decisions at a global financial institution. By mastering your understanding of current market dynamics, preparing to articulate your past experiences with precision, and demonstrating a genuine passion for the field, you will position yourself as a top-tier candidate.

Focus your preparation on the core evaluation areas: analytical rigor, market awareness, and cultural alignment. You have the potential to make a significant impact, and with focused preparation, you can demonstrate exactly why you are the right fit for the team. Explore further insights and resources on Dataford to refine your strategy, and approach your interviews with the confidence that comes from deep, thorough preparation. You are ready to take the next step in your career.

The salary data provides a range based on typical market benchmarks for Research Analyst roles at this level. Use this to manage your expectations and ensure you are prepared to discuss compensation professionally if the topic arises, keeping in mind that total packages often include benefits beyond the base salary.