Stef has been working as Tax Expertise Manager within Private Banking & Wealth Management at ING since August 2025. After completing his tax studies in Maastricht, he started his career in banking six years ago as a trainee at ING Private Banking. He then moved into a role as Real Estate Credit Specialist in the Amsterdam region. Last summer, he returned to Private Banking, where he ensures that everyone’s tax knowledge remains up to date, and that we translate it into clear, understandable advice for our clients. Stef writes articles, regularly appears in Private Banking videos, and joins podcasts as a guest expert.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"What is the best financial advice you have ever received or given?","richBody":{"value":"“My top tip? Start with the end in mind. Ask yourself: what do I want to achieve with my wealth in the long term? Financial peace of mind, a safety buffer for later, or perhaps building wealth for your children? Once you have that vision, you can create a plan that fits.”
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"What insight has changed your view on wealth?","richBody":{"value":"“That wealth is not just about numbers, but also about emotions and personal goals. That realization makes my work more human and relevant. Planning is not only about money, but about life stories. Think of parents who support their children financially, for example by helping with the purchase of a home. Now that buying a home independently is difficult, emotions often come into play. Wealth is therefore not only about returns, but about fulfilling dreams for the future and leaving something meaningful behind.”
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"What do you notice is currently on clients’ minds when it comes to wealth and financial planning?","richBody":{"value":"“Box 3 is the hot topic, because there are many changes. On December 16, the Senate approved the Tax Plan, which means the deemed return on other assets in Box 3 will rise from 5.88% to 6% as of 2026. I notice that the ongoing changes and uncertainty around wealth taxation raise many questions: ‘What does this mean for me?’ and ‘Is investing in Box 3 still suitable for my situation?’. Clients increasingly seek insight and planning. It’s not just about returns, but about control and peace of mind.”
“Fortunately, clarity is slowly emerging. For example, last summer the counter-evidence scheme (tegenbewijsregeling) was implemented: if your actual return is lower than the deemed return, you pay tax on that lower amount. And from 2028, the Box 3 system should align even more closely with actual returns. That gives clients perspective, but we see that the need for solid planning remains strong.”
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"What is your vision of wealth ten years from now?","richBody":{"value":"“I expect wealth to be structured more internationally in ten years. This is partly due to trends already visible today: a tighter labor market means less government revenue. At the same time, we are on the brink of the ‘Great Wealth Transfer,’ a massive shift in wealth that governments may leverage to generate additional income. I expect wealth in the Netherlands to be taxed more heavily, prompting wealthy individuals to look abroad more often for tax optimization. This is already happening: Dutch people are buying record numbers of homes in Spain. To enjoy, but also to diversify their wealth and reduce tax pressure. And that will remain possible as long as there are no internationally uniform tax rules.''
“In addition, we see the rise of digital nomads and location-independent work. This makes wealth planning more complex and cross-border, with greater focus on tax strategy, legal structures, and compliance. The playing field is becoming more international and strategic. We as a private bank must grow with that. If we ensure now that we continue to serve these clients with tailored international solutions, we will have a strong advantage in the future.”
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Imagine: a million euros appear in your account tomorrow – what would you do with it?","richBody":{"value":"“First, enjoy the moment. For me, that means three weeks relaxing on a sunbed without a care in the world. But it would be strange if I didn’t say that I would go for a well-thought-out wealth plan. That means looking at my short- and long-term goals and setting up a solid investment strategy. And I would also look at tax opportunities – perhaps to do something nice for my family or my local football club.”
“And to make sure I'm making the right choices? I would call in one of our own financial planners: the true experts in wealth planning at ING Private Banking. I work with them every day, as well as with our financial engineers. Because they sit at the table with clients and think strategically, I know how valuable their expertise is. If a million euros appeared in my account tomorrow, I would absolutely seek their help!”
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