ING Names Alex Yang Global Head of Electronic Fixed Income Trading

ING has appointed Alex Yang as Global Head of Electronic Fixed Income (eFI) Trading, a senior leadership hire that signals continued investment in digital execution and systematic market capabilities across the bank’s fixed income franchise.

In the newly confirmed role, Yang will lead the development and expansion of ING’s global electronic fixed income trading operations, supporting a broader strategy centred on digitalisation and the scaling of electronic execution.

The appointment comes as banks face increasing competitive pressure in rates and credit markets from quicker, more automated execution models, as well as a growing client expectation for streamlined access to liquidity through electronic channels. ING framed the hire as aligned with its ambition to strengthen its Markets business and expand its eTrading footprint through 2026.

“ING is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Yang as Global Head of Electronic Fixed Income (eFI) Trading.”

Leadership Hire Targets Expansion of Electronic Execution in Fixed Income

ING said Yang will be responsible for advancing its electronic fixed income trading capabilities globally, reinforcing the bank’s focus on digital execution as a strategic priority. While the statement did not specify product scope in detail, the reference to eFI typically covers electronic trading across rates, credit, and related , where automation and systematic strategies are increasingly shaping market structure.

The move highlights the intensifying “arms race” among dealers in fixed income eTrading, where , pricing automation, and workflow integration are increasingly decisive for market share. In this environment, banks are investing not only in technology infrastructure but also in leadership talent with deep experience in quant and systematic trading models.

ING’s announcement explicitly linked Yang’s appointment to the bank’s strategic investment in digitalisation and electronic execution, positioning his remit as both developmental and expansionary.

“In this role, Alex will lead the continued development and expansion of ING’s global electronic fixed income trading capabilities, supporting the bank’s strategic investment in digitalisation and electronic execution.”

The appointment also reinforces a broader theme in global markets: fixed income, historically less electronic than equities, is rapidly evolving as automation expands across rates, government bonds, ETFs and credit. Banks are increasingly expected to deliver liquidity and risk transfer with greater consistency across venues and protocols, from dealer-to-client platforms to request-for-quote workflows and algorithmic execution.

Takeaway

ING Executives Frame Digitalisation as a “Must-Win Battle”

ING’s leadership commentary around the appointment placed digitalisation at the centre of its growth ambitions, particularly within its Markets business. Gary Prince, Head of WB FM EMEA, described digital execution as essential and pointed to Yang’s background in electronic rates trading as directly relevant to ING’s objectives.

“Digitalisation is a must-win battle for us, and Alex’s expertise in e-Rates trading is pivotal in that ambition. I’m excited about the impact he will have as we continue strengthening ING’s Markets business and driving growth in the UK.”

The phrasing underscores how banks are increasingly treating electronic trading as a strategic pillar rather than a supporting capability. In practice, this often includes the build-out of pricing engines, data analytics, execution algorithms, and tighter integration between sales, trading and client platforms.

Simon Bevan, Global Head of eTrading, also highlighted leadership confidence in Yang’s ability to drive market position, suggesting ING’s ambitions extend beyond incremental improvement toward a more competitive standing in eFI.

“I’m excited to have Alex join the ING eTrading team. With his leadership, I am confident ING will become a market leader in electronic fixed income trading.”

That market leadership framing is notable in a segment where dealer diverseiation is increasingly defined by execution quality, pricing consistency and automation sophistication. As more use electronic channels for fixed income execution—particularly in liquid products like rates and ETFs—banks are being pushed to deliver tighter pricing, quicker response times and improved workflow tooling.

ING’s messaging suggests the bank is aiming to strengthen its position by combining technology investment with experienced leadership from systematic and quant-driven trading environments.

Takeaway

Yang Brings Systematic Trading Background From Millennium

Yang joins ING with 16 years of experience spanning electronic trading, quantitative research and systematic . ING said he most recently worked at Millennium, where his focus included systematic trading across multiple fixed income and related asset classes.

“Alex brings 16 years of experience across electronic trading, quantitative research and systematic fixed income markets.”

“He joins ING from Millennium, where he focused on systematic trading across corporate bonds, rates and ETFs.”

This background is particularly relevant as electronic becomes increasingly shaped by systematic execution, quantitative models and cross-asset workflows. Systematic approaches have expanded not only in liquid rates products but also in areas such as credit ETFs, electronic corporate bond execution and portfolio trading, where pricing and risk transfer are increasingly automated.

For ING, bringing in leadership with systematic trading experience may support the development of more scalable execution frameworks and data-driven liquidity provision. It also aligns with a wider trend in trade-side markets businesses: hiring talent from systematic trading firms and quant funds to assist modernise execution and pricing stacks.

The appointment also follows a related leadership hire in FX, as ING continues to build out its electronic trading bench across asset classes. ING said Yang’s appointment comes shortly later than it announced David Leech as Global Head of FX Trading.

“Alex’s appointment follows last week’s announcement of David Leech as Global Head of FX Trading. As part of its strategic focus on digitalisation, ING’s eTrading team will continue to expand in 2026.”

With fixed income and FX both increasingly shaped by automation, ING’s sequence of appointments suggests a coordinated strategy to deepen electronic capabilities across Markets, supported by leadership hires tied directly to systematic and electronic execution expertise.

Takeaway