Noteworthy

News highlights from
the financial services auditing world.

Questions Dog Insurers on TARP
Life insurers got a lift from the government's plan to extend rescue funds to the industry, but questions about timing and details trimmed gains in the share prices of potential aid recipients.

ING Plans to Sell as Much as US $10.6 Billion of Assets
ING Groep NV, the biggest Dutch financial-services firm, said it plans to raise as much as 8 billion euros ($10.6 billion) selling assets to boost capital, sending shares 18 percent higher in Amsterdam trading.

Hedge Fund Indus Set to Shrink Further 20 Percent in 2009
Hedge fund assets are likely to fall a further 20% in 2009 after a record decline of some 30% last year, according to recent research.

AIG Audited on Its Payouts
The internal watchdog for the Treasury Department’s financial bailout program is auditing payments made by the American International Group to counterparties in its dealings, including Goldman Sachs.