ING DIRECT Expands Options for Investors by Introducing Six New Mutual Funds.

Direct Bank Known for Its Simple Financial Products Helps Savers Make Sense of Investing

WILMINGTON, Del. -- ING DIRECT, the nation's largest direct bank known for its signature high-interest product, the Orange Savings Account, announced today the addition of six new mutual funds to its existing investment portfolio by its affiliate ING DIRECT Securities, Inc. The new funds provide a dynamic mix of investment opportunities for Customers and include three Asset Allocation Funds; a Money Market Fund; a Global Real Estate Fund; and a Global Equity Dividend Fund.

"The Orange Investment Account is designed for seasoned savers who practice healthy savings habits," says Arkadi Kuhlmann, President and CEO, ING DIRECT. "We've designed our website with a tutorial on investing so the serious saver will take the next step from an Orange Savings Account to Mutual Fund investing."

The expanded portfolio of no-load, simple and easy-to-use mutual funds brings an added variety of investment options to the consumer. While the Asset Allocation funds offer managed funds in three risk categories, the Money Market fund provides a conservative holding place for retirement funds. The addition of the Global Equity Fund and Global Real Estate Fund give investors the opportunity to participate in some of the most desirable investment options in the current market.

Always on the cutting edge, ING DIRECT consistently develops simple financial products that create value to the consumer. In addition to the Orange Investment Account offered by ING DIRECT Securities, Inc., ING DIRECT offers the high yield Orange Savings Account, Orange CDs, and the low-closing-cost Orange Mortgage.

About ING DIRECT Securities, Inc.

ING DIRECT's mutual funds are offered by ING DIRECT Securities, Inc., a registered broker/dealer and NASD member, and affiliate of ING DIRECT (ING Bank, fsb). Mutual funds are not FDIC-insured, have no bank guarantee and may lose value.

Investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, available at http://home.ingdirect.com/open/prospectus.pdf, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

About ING DIRECT

ING DIRECT, the nation's largest direct bank and fourth-largest thrift, is dedicated to inspiring Americans to become a nation of savers. Since its inception in 2000, more than 4.5 million Americans have entrusted their savings with ING DIRECT, building the bank to $62 billion in assets. Backed by one of the largest financial services organizations in the world, ING GROUP (NYSE: ING), ING DIRECT offers industry leading interest rates, the most advanced innovations in web security and customer service, and a culture of consumer education and advocacy. ING DIRECT is also an FDIC Member and an Equal Housing Lender. For more information on ING DIRECT, or to learn more about the bank's high-value products, including the Orange Savings Account and the Orange Mortgage, visit www.ingdirect.com or call 1-800-ING DIRECT.