ING U.S. Named a Leader in Client Loyalty and Favorability Among DC Investment Managers, in Cogent Survey

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ING U.S., a leading provider of investment and retirement services, announced that it was recently ranked #1 in terms of loyalty, favorable impression and nine brand attributes by clients among defined contribution (DC) investment managers, according to the 2011 Cogent Research Retirement Planscape™ survey of plan sponsors.

Cogent's Retirement Planscape™ 2011 queried 1,600 DC plan sponsors, asking them to rate leading DC investment providers and recordkeepers on a variety of product and service attributes that contribute to brand perception.

ING U.S. was at the top in nine total product and service-related brand attributes among clients, which included 1) strong, consistent investment performance, 2) understanding of the DC market, 3) best-in-class portfolio and risk management practices, 4) experienced investment team, 5) distinguished investment philosophy, 6) strong understanding of global markets, 7) superior research and thought leadership, 8) industry-leading product innovation, and 9) noteworthy organizational stability.

"We are very excited to have achieved this recognition from the DC plan market place," said Shaun Mathews, Head of the Client Group at ING Investment Management U.S. "We are focused on providing plans and their participants with a suite of target date and other investment solutions, as well as value-added advice, that harness our extensive investment and analytical expertise and are appropriate for the retirement market."

"The value of a deeply experienced and long-tenured investment services team has benefitted our clients," noted Marianne Sullivan, Head of Investment Information Services for ING U.S. Retirement. "Our target date funds are responsive to the needs of DC plan investors, and we have remained true to our investment focus and discipline. We look forward to continuing to offer clients solutions that meet the long-term needs of DC plan participants."

ING Investment Management U.S. serves the investment needs of the DC market and offers a broad suite of equity and fixed income funds as well as target date products designed for a wide array of retirement-oriented investors. ING's target date fund assets have grown quickly since the first suite was launched in 2005, particularly in light of the designation of these funds as a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Plans and their participants are attracted to target date funds for their ability to provide diversified and age- and risk-appropriate investments geared to retirement.

Press inquiries:
Joe Loparco
ING Americas
Office: 860.580.2677
Cell: 860.462.6525
[email protected]

About ING U.S.

ING U.S. includes the U.S. insurance, retirement and asset management businesses of Dutch-based ING Groep NV.  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, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits and financial planning. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 15 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.us.

About ING Investment Management U.S.

ING Investment Management U.S. (ING IM U.S.) is a leading active asset management firm. As of June 30, 2011, ING IM U.S. manages approximately $162 billion for both affiliated and external institutions as well as individual investors. ING IM U.S. has the experience and resources to invest responsibly across asset classes, geographies and investment styles. Through our global asset management network, we provide clients with access to domestic, regional and global investment solutions.

SOURCE ING U.S.