Monday's announcement comes after ABN Amro, the country's third largest bank, said last month it was shedding 1,375 jobs over the next three years as it moves towards greater digitalisation."Over the coming five years, around 7,000 functions might be impacted by these effects," said chief executive Ralph Hamer.In August, ING said it had boosted its operating profits by 26.They "expect us to adopt new technology as fast as companies in other sectors," Hamer said, adding ING needs "to offer a better customer experience, that's instant, personal, frictionless and relevant.01 billion) by 2021.Hamer acknowledged Monday that "banks are confronted with continuous regulatory burden and a prolonged period of ultra-low interest rates.7 perc ent in the second quarter to 1.Stressing wall paper Manufacturers the plans were not yet final, Hamer said the workforce could be reduced by some 3,500 in Belgium and another 2,300 in The Netherlands.The move is partly directed by the bank's bid to reshape its services for the digital banking market.It was bailed out to the tune of 10 billion euros in 2008 after the global financial crisis struck, but it was forced by the European Commission to exit the insurance business. The Hague: Dutch bank ING, the country's biggest lender, Monday announced 7,000 jobs could be lost mainly in Belgium and The Netherlands to save 900 million euros ($1.. The remaining posts were expected to be cut by external suppliers."Amsterdam-based ING employs some 52,000 people in 40 countries around the world.It paid off the 10 billion euros plus interest that it owed the Dutch government in November 2014, well ahead of time."Customers are increasingly digital and bank with us more and more through mobile devices," Hamer said in a statement.The move is partly directed by the bank's bid to reshape its services for the digital banking market, in which it said it would be investing some 800 million euros.""These factors put pressure on the returns which are necessary to fund growth and investments, and cover our cost of capital," he added.4 billion euros and increased its lending by 15 billion euros on the same period in 2015