9.19.2007 - 10:38am ET

(CSRwire) September 19, 2007 - ING U.S. Financial Services announced today that it has received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2007 Corporate Equality Index. This is the second consecutive year in which ING has received a top rating. The Index rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors. ING was one of 32 banking and financial services companies to receive a perfect score.

"We are very proud to receive a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index," said Debbie Holcombe, head of U.S. Workforce Diversity. "This rating demonstrates ING's commitment to creating an inclusive work environment in which all employees can maximize their full potential. Maintaining a perfect score requires our continued focus on improving programs and policies that address the needs of our workforce, as we strive to remain competitive in the marketplace."

The Corporate Equality Index, which this year rates 519 businesses, measures the extent to which employers protect their GLBT employees. Ratings are based on factors like non-discrimination policies, diversity training and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees. The 195 businesses that met all of the criteria employ more than 8.3 million workers. When the Index was first released in 2002 only 13 companies, employing 690,000 workers, received the top rating.

"More businesses than ever before have recognized the value of a diverse and dedicated workforce," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "More importantly, these employers understand that discrimination against GLBT workers will ultimately hurt their ability to compete in the global marketplace."

The report can be downloaded from HRC's website at www.hrc.org/cei.

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 75 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 120,000 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 offer 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 www.ing.com.

For more information please contact: