ING Annuities Sees Asset Allocation Fund-of-Funds Use at Record Pace

ING Annuities has seen a significant up-tick in the use of asset allocation funds-of-funds, with ING LifeStyle Portfolios -- four ready-made asset allocation fund-of-funds available within ING variable annuities -- picking up assets at a record pace.

"Since the ING LIfeStyle Portfolios were first introduced in May 2004, more than $1.5 billion in assets has flowed into these subaccounts," said Harry N. Stout, president, ING Annuities. Currently, owners of more than one- third of all newly issued annuity contracts select an ING LifeStyle Portfolio subaccount and we expect the strong interest in these funds will continue as customers seek a simplified way to create and maintain a diversified investment mix."

ING LifeStyle Portfolios, available within ING's variable annuities, are designed to meet the needs of investors who prefer a simple, single diversified investment option consistent with their risk tolerance to help them save for long-term investment goals, like retirement.

"There is clearly a growing consumer demand for asset allocation funds," said Stout. "Not only do they provide a level of simplicity, studies show an asset allocation strategy can have more predictable results than selective stock-picking for investors with long-term financial horizons."*

The ING LifeStyle Portfolio subaccounts invest in a combination of underlying portfolios with varying degrees of potential investment risks and rewards. The subaccounts invest new assets and reinvested dividends based on target allocations at least monthly. Quarterly, each portfolio's target allocation strategy will be re-evaluated, and each portfolio will be rebalanced, if necessary, to reflect any changes. Ibbotson Associates, a leading asset allocation consulting firm, has been engaged to provide asset allocation analyses for the ING LifeStyle Portfolios.

  The ING LifeStyle Portfolios include:
   - ING LifeStyle Moderate Portfolio
   - ING LIfeStyle Moderate Growth Portfolio
   - ING LifeStyle Growth Portfolio
   - ING LifeStyle Aggressive Growth Portfolio

To help financial advisors and their clients identify the most appropriate ING LifeStyle Portfolio, a proprietary questionnaire is used to evaluate an investor's personal financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance.

*Source: "Determinants of Portfolio Performance", Financial Analysts Journal (July-August 1986-May-June 1991), Brinson, Hood, Singer, and Beebower.

ING Annuities refers to USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company.

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 113,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit http://www.ing.com/

Disclosures:

Investors should consider investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the variable annuity product and underlying fund options carefully before investing. The prospectus for the variable product and underlying fund options contain this and other information. Investors and financial professionals may obtain a prospectus by calling ING USA's Customer Service Department at 800-366-0066. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing.

All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company.

The assets of ING have no impact on the ability of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company to meet its obligations or on the performance of its products.

ING variable annuities are flexible premium deferred combination variable and fixed annuities available in most states. ING variable annuities are issued by ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company and distributed by Directed Services, Inc., member NASD. ING variable annuities are available in New York through ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York, distributed by DSI. Variable annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC/NCUA. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

ING LifeStyle Portfolios are available only as an investment option within ING variable annuities. The investment advisor for these portfolios is ING Investments, LLC, an affiliated company of ING USA and Directed Services, Inc.

SOURCE: ING

CONTACT: Christina Divigard of ING, +1-860-723-2293, or
christina.divigard@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing.com/