ING Appoints Joseph Kerkor as Head of Emerging Markets Credit Trading, EMEA

WHY THIS MATTERS
ING’s appointment of Joseph Kerkor underscores the continued strategic importance of emerging markets (EM) within global credit trading. As investors search for yield and diversification in a higher-rate environment, EM credit—spanning regions like CEE, the Middle East, and Africa—remains a key area of opportunity, albeit with increased complexity and risk.

Strengthening trading capabilities in these markets is not just about execution—it’s about connectivity across the full credit lifecycle. From primary issuance through to secondary market liquidity, banks need integrated expertise across trading, syndication, and distribution to support clients effectively. Kerkor’s background across Barclays, BNP Paribas, and Goldman Sachs reflects this trend, bringing experience that bridges both market-making and deal support in often fragmented and less liquid markets.

As geopolitical uncertainty and macro volatility continue to shape EM dynamics, having strong on-the-ground expertise and trading depth becomes critical for pricing risk, maintaining liquidity, and supporting client activity across both investment grade and higher-yield segments.

ING today announces the appointment of Joseph Kerkor as Head of Emerging Markets Credit Trading for EMEA, effective immediately. 

In this role, Joseph is responsible for leading a five‑member trading team focused on emerging markets in EMEA, covering key regions including Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the Middle East, ex CIS countries, Turkey, and South Africa. 

He will drive ING’s credit trading activities across these markets, further strengthening the bank’s presence in a strategically important growth area. 

Commenting on the appointment, Pawan Gupta, Global Head of Credit Trading at ING, said: 

“Joseph brings a strong combination of deep emerging markets expertise, strong trading track record and a highly collaborative mindset. His extensive market experience across our key markets, trading skills, and product knowledge will add significantly to our capabilities as we continue to strengthen our emerging markets franchise and deepen connectivity across the credit value chain.”

Joseph joins ING from Barclays, where he was an Executive Director in Emerging Markets Credit Trading in London. 

He led the EM Investment Grade trading pod across the GCC and CEE, working closely with syndicate teams and other stakeholders to support primary transaction pricing and improve hit ratios. 

Prior to Barclays, Joseph was Head of Emerging Market CEEMEA Credit Trading at BNP Paribas, having previously held senior roles within emerging markets credit trading at Goldman Sachs.

He brings deep experience across trading, structuring, and distribution, with a strong track record in building market presence and supporting clients across complex credit markets. 

Joseph Kerkor, Head of Emerging Markets Credit Trading added:

“I’m delighted to be joining ING at a time of strong momentum across credit and capital markets. Emerging markets remain a key focus for our clients, and I look forward to working with the team to continue building scale, enhancing liquidity, and supporting clients across the full lifecycle, from origination through to secondary markets.” 

Joseph’s appointment further strengthens ING’s capabilities across the broader credit value chain and complements the bank’s growing presence in Debt Capital Markets (DCM), reinforcing its position in a crucial growth area for clients operating across emerging markets.

FF NEWS TAKE
This hire is a clear signal that ING is doubling down on emerging markets as a growth engine within its credit business. Bringing in a senior trader with deep regional coverage and cross-bank experience suggests a focus on scaling liquidity provision and improving competitiveness in key corridors.

More broadly, this reflects a wider industry trend: talent remains one of the most important differentiators in complex markets like EM credit. Technology and balance sheet matter, but relationships, pricing expertise, and market intuition still drive performance.

The real test will be how ING translates this into client outcomes—better execution, stronger primary-secondary alignment, and deeper market access. In an increasingly competitive landscape, strengthening the human layer of trading is still a decisive move.