ING Bank N.V.

With effect from the start of business on Monday 28 February 2005, ING Bank N.V. ("ING Bank" or "the firm") will cease trading in an agency capacity.

ING Bank continues to act in a principal capacity in UK domestic and international securities. The firm continues to have access to SETS, SETSmm, the Dutch Trading Service ("DTS"), the International Order Book ("IOB") and the International Retail Service ("IRS") with the ability to enter orders. ING Bank continues to act as a market maker in UK domestic securities.

The firm also acts as a General Clearing Member ("GCM") of the London Stock Exchange for DTS central counterparty securities.

ING Bank will settle its DTS business through Euroclear Bank account number 713 and its IOB business using DTC account number 2307 and Euroclear account number 23970.