ING Institutional Plan Services: An Area of Growth for ING Retirement Services in the U.S.

ING's acquisition of CitiStreet in July 2008 created one of the largest defined contribution plan providers in the United States. Following the successful integration of these two leaders, ING's U.S. Retirement Services business today holds top rankings in the industry with nearly 60,000 defined contribution plans, approximately 10 million plan participants across markets segments, and more than $250 billion in defined contribution assets under administration and management. The Retirement Services business -- which serves all sizes and segments of the pension market, including corporate, government and education -- remains core to ING's new global strategy, as evidenced in the company's recent announcement to streamline operations and focus on its competitive advantages and strengths around the world.

Institutional Plan Services: An Area of Growth, with a Focus on Customers

Throughout 2008 and into 2009, ING's Institutional Plan Services, a division of ING that services government and large corporate retirement plan clients in the U.S., has continued to deliver on its more than eight years of consecutive growth as a provider of defined contribution and defined benefit solutions.

"The synergy and opportunities stemming from the ING-CitiStreet integration have positioned us well for sustaining and building our industry leadership in workplace retirement solutions," said Catherine Smith, CEO of ING U.S. Retirement Services. "The retirement services business continues to be a long-term engine for ING's corporate growth and profitability, and we believe employer-sponsored defined contribution plans remain a cornerstone for American workers saving for a sound and secure financial future."

For the Institutional Plan Services unit, new and renewed relationships in 2008 represented over $30 billion in assets and 1.2 million participants across the defined contribution, defined benefit, and health & welfare markets. As another indicator of growth, existing customers extended their relationships with ING to include investment advisory, participant advocacy, qualified domestic relations orders (QDRO) administration and retiree benefit payments services, along with total retirement outsourcing.

"The level of growth, retention and expansion throughout the integration of CitiStreet and ING is further proof that we've remained focused on our top priority - our undivided commitment to customers," said Sandy McCarthy, president of ING Institutional Plan Services. "The loyalty of long-time customers that renew and extend their service relationships with us is the most important measure of success, and creates opportunities for further strategic growth."

Ongoing Investments in Products and Services

As part of its commitment to customers, ING Institutional Plan Services has continued to enhance and expand its product and services offerings.

"We are continuing to drive personalization for participants through Direction-for-Life™, our approach to providing individualized products, tools and services to help participants make meaningful retirement planning decisions," said Lisa Margeson, chief marketing officer of ING Institutional Plan Services. "By applying technology to our insights on participant behavior, we have developed precision communication and service tools, including personalized URLs, e-communications with interactive learning, expansion of cultural-specific communications and education in the new world of extreme market volatility."

The personalized approach to participants includes the Professional Account Manager Program, a key component of ING Investment Advisor Service, designed for employees who want to delegate retirement investment decisions to a professional. The program considers an employee's financial situation and develops a personalized portfolio that is periodically monitored and updated. Regular progress reports keep employees informed, and phone access to a professional investment advisor ensures that they can get the information and answers they need. Online access to their accounts is available at all times.

"ING has demonstrated that participants using advice and managed account services save more than their plan peers and maintain diversified investment allocations suitable for their retirement time horizons," said Ray Martin, president of ING Investment Advisors, LLC. "In this current market environment, we have seen a significant increase in the number of participants turning to us with their questions. More than ever, our advice and managed account services are helping participants who are concerned about their ability to plan and save for financial security in retirement."

For sponsors navigating the increasingly complex fiduciary environment, ING Institutional Plan Services offers an array of services through PlanFIRST™ and the Web-based sponsor resource center PlanFIRST™ Online. In 2008, PlanFIRST™ expanded to include sponsor guides and Webinars addressing important fiduciary issues such as the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008, the Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008, and the proposed Department of Labor regulations relating to participant fee disclosure.

"2008 was an exciting year for our organization," said McCarthy. "We've built on legacy strengths, enriched with ING's global capabilities, to position ourselves for ongoing strategic growth. For 2009 and beyond, our goal is to continue providing comprehensive solutions for customers as the markets and employee retirement demographics evolve into the future."

About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million residential, corporate and institutional clients in more than 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 125,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future.

In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes 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 29 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com/us.

Plan administrative services provided by ING Institutional Plan Services, LLC.

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SOURCE: ING Americas

CONTACT: Joe Loparco of ING Americas, +1-860-580-2677, Cell:
+1-860-462-6525, joseph.loparco@us.ing.com

Web Site: http://www.ing.com/us