published 8 Sep 2026
Continuing the conversation: ING and R U OK? extend partnership into a sixth year
ING Australia, today announced it will continue its partnership with R U OK?, marking the sixth consecutive year it has supported the organisation.
The partnership sees ING continue its role as the R U OK? Conversation Partner, helping R U OK? strengthen its digital infrastructure allowing more Australians to access trusted resources, build confidence in having meaningful conversations and support those who may be struggling.
ING Sense of Us 2026 research found that nearly half (46%) of Australians said that financial pressures are one of their biggest sources of stress in 2026.
Financial stress can affect anyone, whether it’s linked to significant life events like moving house or growing your family, or unexpected challenges, such as job loss, separation, family violence, illness or the loss of a loved one.
As the Conversation Partner of R U OK? ING recognises that regular and meaningful conversations can play in helping to prevent small concerns from becoming bigger issues.
“Helping Australians feel more confident about money goes beyond banking products and services. It also means supporting people through difficult financial challenges,” says Melanie Evans, CEO of ING Australia.
“That’s why we’re proud to be the exclusive Conversation Partner of R U OK?, a partnership we’ve supported since 2021 to help encourage meaningful conversations and strengthen community wellbeing. You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference. Simply asking ‘R U OK?’, and listening can make a meaningful difference to someone who may be struggling.”
ING support includes funding for a redevelopment of the R U OK? website, making it easier for people to access, engage with and benefit from free resources and content.
R U OK? CEO Lach Searle shares his gratitude for ING’s ongoing partnership.
“Genuine, long-term partners like ING enable us to deepen our work and create lasting impact,” said Mr Searle. “Their investment in our digital future will help more Australians access trusted resources, to build confidence in having meaningful conversations and support the people around them when it matters most.”
For advice and content on navigating financial stress for you and those around you, visit ING’s R U OK? Hub.
Notes to editors
*When we say ‘Australians’ in this release, we’re referring to Australian adults 18+ who responded to the survey. Findings from the report are subject to standard sampling tolerances and the inherent limitations of survey-based research.
About the report
ING’s The Sense of Us Report is a national survey conducted every three years, that aims to understand Aussie’s modern money habits.
The Sense of Us study answers what Aussies care about; their goals, challenges, habits and quirks – in relation to their money.
Survey Dates & Sample Sizes:
- 2021 Report: Conducted in February 2021, comprising a sample of 1,054 Australians aged 18 years and older.
- 2023 Report: Conducted in March 2023, sampling 2,073 Australians aged 18 years and older.
- 2026 Report (Part 1): Conducted online between February 26th and March 11th, 2026, with a nationally representative sample of 2,045 Australians aged 18 years and older.
- 2026 Report (Part 2): Conducted online between April 10th and 20th, 2026, with a nationally representative sample of 2,075 Australians aged 18 years and older.
These studies were conducted online by YouGov, utilising nationally representative samples of Australians aged 18 years and older.
ING and YouGov conducted a second study after the unfolding of events in Iran in March 2026, to understand the impact these events may be having on people. When we say ‘Australians’ in this release, we’re referring to Australian adults 18+ who responded to the survey. Findings from the report are subject to standard sampling tolerances and the inherent limitations of survey-based research.
These studies were conducted online by YouGov on behalf of ING, where figures have been weighted to project a nationally representative sample of Australians aged 18 years and older.
All figures have been weighted to project what is representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+). Where data references behaviour or sentiments in the past 12 months, this refers to the 12-month period prior to taking the survey.
About ING
ING changed the way Australians bank 27 years ago by launching the country’s first digital-led branchless bank. ING now offers Australians home loans, transactional banking, superannuation, credit cards, personal lending, insurance and wholesale banking services. ING is:
- Australia’s #1 bank 2026, awarded by Forbes.
- Australia’s most recommended bank according to RFI Global’s Consumer Atlas Survey, July – December 2025 (n = 29,246) when compared to customers of the 10 largest ADIs operating in Australia amongst AFR customers.
- Australia’s fifth largest main financial institution (MFI) with 5% market share according to RFI Global’s Consumer Atlas Survey, July – December 2025 (n = 29,246).
Previous Media Release
All information in the ING Newsroom is accurate at the time of publication.