ING DIRECT Wins Online Banking Reporter's 'Best of the Web' Citation

Business Wire, Oct 1, 2001

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2001

Online Banking Reporter, a financial trade publication that follows the online banking industry, has cited ING DIRECT in its "Best of the Web" feature.

"ING DIRECT wins an OBR Best of the Web for its creative approach to selling and servicing savings accounts," said the publication in its review. "While most banks treat savings like an afterthought, ING DIRECT gave this overlooked product center stage. How many banks put their savings rate on the home page?...If you combine good rates, easy funds transfer and attractive packaging, you can build accounts and balances...From top to bottom, ING DIRECT has built an elegant and well-executed online bank, from its website to its toll-free customer service and monthly paper statements."

"We really like what ING DIRECT is doing," said Jim Bruene, editor of Online Banking Report. "They are putting sizzle into an otherwise commodity-like banking product. Given their success, it appears that American consumers agree with our assessment."

"We're gratified to see Online Banking Reporter's recognition of what ING DIRECT is all about - simple financial products made easy, so consumers can save more," said Arkadi Kuhlmann, President and CEO of ING DIRECT. "With high interest rates on our Orange Savings Account(TM) and low interest rates on Orange Loans(TM), and with no minimums, fees or service charges, ING DIRECT offers what traditional banks can't and pure Internet banks won't - a great deal to consumers who want to get more value for their money."

"In total over the last twelve months, ING DIRECT has helped consumers save 11 million dollars more than they would have earned at a traditional bank."

"Over one year, a customer with $1,000 in an Orange Savings Account at current rates, earns nearly four times as much in interest, compared to what they'd earn in a traditional savings account that pays between one percent and two percent interest," he said. "Our proposition offers real value. Americans need a bank that will help them save money, especially in these uncertain times."

"Customers tell us they enjoy the entire ING DIRECT experience," he added. "Phone calls are answered by a live human being within 20 seconds, accounts can be opened through five easy steps in five minutes, money can be transferred online with just a few keystrokes, and anyone can watch their earnings grow every day with a quick check of their account via our website."

Headquartered in Wilmington, Del., ING DIRECT is the operating name of ING Bank, fsb (Member FDIC), a federally chartered savings bank, and part of ING Group (NYSE:ING), one of the largest financial services institutions in the world. ING DIRECT has more than 230,000 customers and more than $2.6 billion in assets as of August 31, 2001.

For product information or to open an account, visit ingdirect.com or call 1-800-ING-DIRECT.