ING CEO Catherine H. Smith Recognized as One of the 'Top 25 Nonbank Women in Finance'

ING's CEO of U.S. Retirement Services, Catherine H. Smith, was recently named to American Banker and U.S. Banker's 2009 list of The Top 25 Most Powerful Nonbank Women in Finance. The rankings were released on September 23, and showcase those professionals who are identified by the publications as being the top performers in the securities, asset management, insurance, private equity and exchange businesses.

Smith, who is #9 on the list, has been leading ING's Retirement Services division since December 2008.

In her role, Smith is responsible for one of the largest workplace retirement plan management operations in the United States. The business serves all segments of the defined contribution market -- 401(k), 457 and 403(b) plans -- as well as defined benefit plans. She also oversees ING's network of broker-dealers, with approximately 8,000 registered representatives.

Prior to this position, Smith was CEO of ING's U.S. Insurance businesses. She also held other leadership roles in the organization, including chief operating officer for ING U.S. Financial Services and president of ING's Health, Education and Government Distribution.

To be eligible for The Top 25 Nonbank Women in Finance, an executive must be in her position for at least one year, and hold a title of senior vice president or higher. Decisions are based on both quantitative factors (such as one-year performance and the results of business initiatives) and qualitative measurements (such as job complexity and responsibility, management style, best practices and innovation, community involvement and overall influence). More information about the rankings can be found at www.us-banker.com or in the October issue of U.S. Banker magazine.

ING's U.S. Retirement Services is currently the nation's largest defined contribution plan provider based on number of sponsors, with over 52,000; the second largest based on number of plan participants with approximately 7 million; and the third largest based on combined assets under management and administration, with more than $235 billion.(1) It is one of the few providers with a scaled leadership presence across the entire defined contribution spectrum and the ability to offer retirement solutions for any size or segment of the market.

  (1)  Pensions & Investments, July 27, 2009.


  Press inquiries:
  Joe Loparco
  ING Americas
  Office: 860.580.2677
  Cell:  860.462.6525
  joseph.loparco@us.ing.com


  About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in over 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of nearly 110,000 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 approximately 30 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com/US.

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SOURCE: ING Americas

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

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