OLDWICK, N.J., Jun 11, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
A.M. Best Co. affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A
(Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a+” of the key life
insurance entities of the U.S. operations of ING Groep N.V. (ING)
(Netherlands) [NYSE: ING], collectively known as ING USA (Atlanta,
GA). Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the debt ratings of “a+” on
the two funding agreement-backed securities programs sponsored by ING
USA and the notes issued thereunder. The outlook for the FSR has been
revised to stable from negative, while the outlook for the ICRs and debt
ratings is negative. (See below for a detailed listing of companies and
ratings.)

The FSR of A (Excellent) and ICRs of “a+” have been affirmed for the
following ING USA life/health insurance entities:

–
ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company

–
ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company

–
ReliaStar Life Insurance Company