N-CSR 1 a07-9077_4ncsr.htm N-CSR

 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number:  811-10223

 

ING Senior Income Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, AZ

 

85258

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

The Corporation Trust Company, 1209 Orange
Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-992-0180

 

Date of fiscal year end:

February 28

 

 

Date of reporting period:

February 28, 2007

 

 

 



 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1):

 



Funds

Annual Report

February 28, 2007

ING Senior Income Fund

E-Delivery Sign-up – details inside

This report is submitted for general information to shareholders of the ING Funds. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective shareholders unless accompanied or preceded by a prospectus which includes details regarding the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other information. This information should be read carefully.




ING Senior Income Fund

ANNUAL REPORT

February 28, 2007

Table of Contents

Portfolio Managers' Report     3    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     8    
Statement of Assets and Liabilities     9    
Statement of Operations     11    
Statements of Changes in Net Assets     12    
Statement of Cash Flows     13    
Financial Highlights     14    
Notes to Financial Statements     16    
Additional Information     27    
Portfolio of Investments     28    
Tax Information     64    
Trustee and Officer Information     65    
Advisory Contract Approval Discussion     70    

 

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ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT

Dear Shareholders:

ING Senior Income Fund (the "Fund") is a continuously offered, diversified and closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide investors with a high level of monthly income. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by investing in a professionally managed portfolio comprised primarily of senior loans.

PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2007
 
Net Assets   $ 2,173,514,079    
Total Assets   $ 2,461,558,158    
Assets Invested in Senior Loans   $ 2,373,504,684    
Senior Loans Represented     601    
Average Amount Outstanding per Loan   $ 3,949,259    
Industries Represented     39    
Average Loan Amount per Industry   $ 60,859,094    
Portfolio Turnover Rate     57 %  
Weighted Average Days to Interest Rate Reset     39    
Average Loan Final Maturity     64 months    
Total Leverage as a Percentage of Total Assets     9.6 %  

 

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

During the year ended February 28, 2007, the Fund's Class A and Q shares each distributed total dividends from income of $1.02, resulting in an average annualized distribution rate of 6.57%(1) and 6.60%(1), respectively. During the same period, the Fund's Class B and Class C shares each distributed total dividends from income of $0.94, resulting in an average annualized distribution rate of 6.09%(1) for Class B shares and 6.08%(1) for Class C shares.

The Fund's total return for the year ended February 28, 2007, for each of the share classes, excluding sales charges, ranged from 6.84% on Class A, 6.26% on Class B, 6.25% on Class C and 6.81% on Class Q. The Fund's net returns were slightly less than the returns of the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index ("LLI"), which had a gross return of 7.02%.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

The Fund's performance during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2007 was attributable to a combination of factors, including the avoidance of material downside credit volatility (the Fund was not impaired by those defaults that did occur in the LLI during the period), a continued emphasis on the better performing issuers and sectors, and generally buoyant conditions across the global leveraged loan market. Consistent with its longstanding strategy, the Fund did not, during the period, seek to increase yield and total return by investing in higher risk components of the senior loan asset class.

Although risk levels have become elevated somewhat across the high yield markets (discussed below), the overall loan market environment remained healthy during the period. Indeed, loans exhibited remarkable resiliency in the face of the turmoil that roiled other capital markets late in the fiscal quarter. Importantly, the loan market also recently regained its relative balance as new institutional loan supply rose to a record $137 billion during the first quarter (a 79% increase over

(1)  The distribution rate is calculated by annualizing dividends declared during the period and dividing the resulting annualized dividend by the Fund's average month-end net asset value (in the case of net asset value) or the average month-end New York Stock Exchange Composite closing price (in the case of Market). The distribution rate is based solely on the actual dividends and distributions, which are made at the discretion of management. The distribution rate may or may not include all investment income and ordinarily will not include capital gains or losses, if any.


3



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

the year-earlier period). Due to a continually robust level of investor demand, a consistent supply of new loans is crucial to maintaining equilibrium and fostering a stable credit spread environment. A constructive fundamental credit backdrop also proved positive investor sentiment as the trailing twelve-month default rate (by number of issuers) declined to a new recorded low of 0.46% (2.09% at February 28, 2006).

Individual credit selection and sector positioning also added to returns during the period. The Fund held significant positions in the top five contributing loans to LLI returns during the fiscal year, and did not hold — or took no losses on — any of the five greatest detractors. A general underweight of the auto supplier and real estate/construction sectors also positively impacted results as these sectors continue to exhibit much higher volatility profiles than the LLI at large.

TOP TEN SENIOR LOAN ISSUERS
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2007
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:
 
    TOTAL
ASSETS
  NET
ASSETS
 
Charter Communications Operating, LLC     2.5 %     2.9 %  
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.     2.1 %     2.4 %  
Georgia Pacific Corporation     2.0 %     2.2 %  
NRG Energy, Inc.     1.4 %     1.6 %  
CSC Holdings, Inc.     1.4 %     1.6 %  
Cequel Communications, LLC     1.3 %     1.5 %  
Idearc, Inc.     1.3 %     1.4 %  
Sungard Data Systems, Inc.     1.2 %     1.4 %  
ARAMARK     1.1 %     1.3 %  
Hotel Del Coronado     1.0 %     1.1 %  

 

USE OF LEVERAGE

The Fund seeks to prudently utilize financial leverage in order to increase the yield to shareholders. As of February 28, 2007, the Fund had $237 million outstanding under a $750 million revolving credit facility.

CURRENT STRATEGY AND OUTLOOK

As with all active capital markets, the leveraged loan market heads into a period of increased uncertainty as the U.S. economy looks to extend its ongoing expansion, albeit at what most agree to be a slower pace. While several headwinds are present (energy price volatility and the yet unknown final impact of the residential housing slowdown as the two headliners), we still expect issuing corporations to post respectable earnings growth during the coming quarters, and thus be in a position to comfortably leverage and de-leverage their balance sheets. Further, merger and acquisition activity (a primary driver of new loan issuance) is expected to remain strong into the foreseeable future, as is overall liquidity. Combined, these factors provide, in our opinion, a good backdrop for favorable performance on the part of a well diversified loan portfolio.

TOP TEN INDUSTRY SECTORS
AS OF FEBRUARY 28, 2007
AS A PERCENTAGE OF:
 
    TOTAL
ASSETS
  NET
ASSETS
 
North American Cable     9.1 %     10.3 %  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare     8.6 %     9.7 %  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber     6.6 %     7.5 %  
Printing & Publishing     5.5 %     6.2 %  
Oil & Gas     5.4 %     6.2 %  
Utilities     5.4 %     6.2 %  
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment     4.5 %     5.1 %  
Retail Stores     4.1 %     4.7 %  
Data and Internet Services     3.3 %     3.7 %  
Beverage, Food & Tobacco     3.2 %     3.7 %  

 


4



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

We do remain concerned, however, with the ongoing trend toward structure erosion, specifically looser protective covenants, the proliferation of second lien loan tranches, and inferior collateral packages. Our strategy seeks to provide high risk adjusted returns over a full credit cycle by investing primarily in traditional secured, floating rate senior loans, as stated previously, we are content to forgo excess returns during period of elevated risk in exchange for maintaining discipline in terms of credit selection.

   
Jeffrey A. Bakalar
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
ING Investment Management Co.
  Daniel A. Norman
Senior Vice President
Senior Portfolio Manager
ING Investment Management Co.
 
   

 

ING Senior Income Fund
April 18, 2007


5



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

    Average Annual Total Net Returns for the
Periods Ended February 28, 2007
 
    1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   Since April 2, 2001  
Including Sales Charge:  
Class A(1)      4.17 %     3.83 %     5.92 %     5.85 %  
Class B(2)      3.26 %     4.36 %     5.18 %     5.28 %  
Class C(3)      5.25 %     4.99 %     5.37 %     5.30 %  
Class Q     6.81 %     5.51 %     5.87 %     5.78 %  
Excluding Sales Charge:  
Class A     6.84 %     5.53 %     5.92 %     5.85 %  
Class B     6.26 %     4.97 %     5.34 %     5.28 %  
Class C     6.25 %     4.99 %     5.37 %     5.30 %  
Class Q     6.81 %     5.51 %     5.87 %     5.78 %  
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index(4)      7.02 %     5.80 %     6.03 %     5.50 %  

 

Based on an initial investment of $10,000, the graph and table above illustrate the total net return of ING Senior Income Fund against the gross return of the LLI. The LLI Index has no cash in its portfolio, imposes no sales charges and incurs no operating expenses. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. The Fund's performance is shown both with and without the imposition of sales charges.

Total net returns reflect that ING Investments, LLC (the Fund's Investment Adviser) may have waived, reimbursed or recouped fees and expenses otherwise payable by the Fund.

Performance data represents past performance and is no assurance of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund's future performance may be lower or higher than the performance data shown. Please log on to www.ingfunds.com or call (800) 992-0180 to get performance through the most recent month-end.

This report contains statements that may be "forward-looking" statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the "forward-looking" statements.

The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio managers, only through the end of the period as stated on the cover. The portfolio managers' views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions.

Fund holdings are subject to change daily.

(1)  Return calculations for the period beginning April 2, 2001 through June 30, 2002, reflect no deduction of a front-end sales charge. Return calculations for the period beginning July 1, 2002 through October 10, 2004, reflect deduction of the maximum Class A sales charge of 4.75%. Return calculations with a starting date after October 11, 2004 are based on a 2.50% sales charge. There is no front-end sales charge if you purchase Class A common shares in an amount of $1 million or more. However, the shares will be subject to a 1.00% Early Withdrawal Charge ("EWC") if they are repurchased by the Fund within one year of purchase.

(2)  Class B maximum EWC is 3% in the first year, declining to 1% in the fifth year and eliminated thereafter.

(3)  Class C maximum EWC is 1% for the first year.

(4)  Source: S&P/Loan Syndications and Trading Association. The LLI Index ("LLI") is an unmanaged total return index that captures accrued interest, repayments, and market value changes. It represents a broad cross section of leveraged loans syndicated in the United States, including dollar-denominated loans to overseas issuers. Standard & Poor's and the Loan Syndications and Trading Association ("LSTA") conceived the LLI to establish a performance benchmark for the syndicated leveraged loan industry. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. Since inception performance for the index is shown from March 31, 2001 for Class A, B, C and Class Q common shares.


6



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS' REPORT (continued)

YIELDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS RATES

    30-Day SEC Yields(1)    Average Annualized Distribution Rates(2)   
    Class A   Class B   Class C   Class Q   Class A   Class B   Class C   Class Q  
February 28, 2007     6.46 %     6.08 %     6.08 %     6.59 %     6.57 %     6.09 %     6.08 %     6.60 %  
August 31, 2006     6.39 %     6.05 %     6.05 %     6.57 %     6.74 %     6.25 %     6.25 %     6.77 %  

 

(1)  Yield is calculated by dividing the Fund's net investment income per share for the most recent thirty days by the net asset value. Yield calculations do not include any commissions or sales charges, and are compounded for six months and annualized for a twelve-month period to derive the Fund's yield consistent with the Securities Exchange Commission standardized yield formula for open-end investment companies.

(2)  Distribution Rates are calculated by annualizing dividends declared during the period (i.e., by dividing the monthly dividend amount by the number of days in the month and multiplying by the number of days in the fiscal year) and then dividing the resulting annualized dividend by the month-ending NAV.

Risk is inherent in all investing. The following are the principal risks associated with investing in the Fund. This is not, and is not intended to be, a description of all risks of investing in the Fund. A more detailed description of the risks of investing in the Fund is contained in the Fund's current prospectus.

Credit Risk: The Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in below investment grade senior loans and other below investment grade assets. Below investment grade loans involve a greater risk that borrowers may not make timely payment of the interest and principal due on their loans. They also involve a greater risk that the value of such loans could decline significantly. If borrowers do not make timely payments of the interest due on their loans, the yield on the Fund's common shares will decrease. If borrowers do not make timely payment of the principal due on their loans, or if the value of such loans decreases, the value of the Fund's NAV will decrease.

Interest Rate Risk: Changes in short-term market interest rates will directly affect the yield on the Fund's common shares. If short-term market interest rates fall, the yield on the Fund will also fall. To the extent that the interest rate spreads on loans in the Fund experience a general decline, the yield on the Fund will fall and the value of the Fund's assets may decrease, which will cause the Fund's value to decrease. Conversely, when short-term market interest rates rise, because of the lag between changes in such short-term rates and the resetting of the floating rates on assets in the Fund's portfolio, the impact of rising rates will be delayed to the extent of such lag.

Leverage Risk: The Fund's use of leverage through borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares can adversely affect the yield on the Fund's Common Shares. To the extent that the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds from the use of leverage in assets which pay interest at a rate which exceeds the rate paid on the leverage, the yield on the Fund's Common Shares will decrease. In addition, in the event of a general market decline in the value of assets such as those in which the Fund invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Fund because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the leverage.

No Daily Redemptions: The Fund does not redeem its shares on a daily basis and there is no market for its shares. Shareholders can only redeem their shares once a month, and if redemption requests from all shareholders exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets in a particular month, the Fund may reduce such requests pro rata and redeem only an amount equal to 5% of its total assets.


7



ING Senior Income Fund

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Shareholders and Board of Trustees
of ING Senior Income Fund

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of ING Senior Income Fund, including the portfolio of investments, as of February 28, 2007, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 28, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ING Senior Income Fund as of February 28, 2007, and the results of its operations, its cash flows, the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the periods specified in the first paragraph above, in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles.

Boston, Massachusetts
April 27, 2007


8




ING Senior Income Fund

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of February 28, 2007

ASSETS:  
Investments in securities at value (Cost $2,354,313,580)   $ 2,387,128,069    
Cash     31,414,187    
Foreign currencies at value (Cost $1,210,599)     1,214,587    
Receivables:  
Investment securities sold     9,055,956    
Fund shares sold     10,575,562    
Interest     21,953,109    
Other     50,503    
Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency contracts     15,357    
Prepaid expenses     134,535    
Prepaid facility fees on notes payable     16,293    
Total assets     2,461,558,158    
LIABILITIES:  
Payable for investment securities purchased     42,105,140    
Notes payable     237,000,000    
Accrued interest payable     1,355,115    
Deferred arrangement fees on revolving credit facilities     482,340    
Payable to affilates     2,508,811    
Income distribution payable     3,395,360    
Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency contracts     607,044    
Accrued trustees fees     43,511    
Other accrued expenses and liabilities     546,758    
Total liabilities     288,044,079    
NET ASSETS   $ 2,173,514,079    
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:  
Paid-in capital   $ 2,150,401,075    
Distribution in excess of net investment income     (5,025,751 )  
Accumulated net realized loss on investments     (4,095,309 )  
Net unrealized appreciation on investments
and foreign currency related transactions
    32,234,064    
NET ASSETS   $ 2,173,514,079    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
9



ING Senior Income Fund

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

Class A:  
Net assets   $ 998,140,124    
Shares authorized     unlimited    
Par value   $ 0.01    
Shares outstanding     64,121,782    
Net asset value and redemption price per share   $ 15.57    
Maximum offering price per share (2.50%)(1)    $ 15.97    
Class B:  
Net assets   $ 111,748,827    
Shares authorized     unlimited    
Par value   $ 0.01    
Shares outstanding     7,195,366    
Net asset value and redemption price per share(2)    $ 15.53    
Maximum offering price per share   $ 15.53    
Class C:  
Net assets   $ 927,950,065    
Shares authorized     unlimited    
Par value   $ 0.01    
Shares outstanding     59,679,066    
Net asset value and redemption price per share(2)    $ 15.55    
Maximum offering price per share   $ 15.55    
Class Q:  
Net assets   $ 135,675,063    
Shares authorized     unlimited    
Par value   $ 0.01    
Shares outstanding     8,760,992    
Net asset value and redemption price per share   $ 15.49    
Maximum offering price per share   $ 15.49    

 

(1)  Maximum offering price is computed at 100/97.50 of net asset value. On purchases of $100,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

(2)  Redemption price per share may be reduced for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
10



ING Senior Income Fund

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS for the Year Ended February 28, 2007

INVESTMENT INCOME:  
Interest   $ 195,193,308    
Arrangement fees earned     1,083,565    
Other     2,555,889    
Total investment income     198,832,762    
EXPENSES:  
Investment management fees     20,958,966    
Administration fees     2,619,871    
Distribution and service fees:  
Class A     2,495,172    
Class B     1,169,072    
Class C     7,042,293    
Class Q     404,460    
Transfer agent fees:  
Class A     372,921    
Class B     43,523    
Class C     349,611    
Class Q     60,041    
Shareholder reporting expense     299,150    
Interest expense     23,478,358    
Custodian fees     1,067,600    
Credit facility fees     18,897    
Professional fees     425,480    
Trustees' fees     103,000    
Registration fees     252,085    
Postage expense     644,450    
Insurance expense     42,162    
Miscellaneous expense     73,230    
Total expenses     61,920,342    
Net recouped, (waived and reimbursed) fees     (16,775 )  
Net expenses     61,903,567    
Net investment income     136,929,195    
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND
FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS:
         
Net realized gain (loss) on:  
Investments     1,169,646    
Foreign currency related transactions     (2,480,445 )  
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency related transactions     (1,310,799 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on :  
Investments     5,294,300    
Foreign currency related transactions     (580,425 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and
foreign currency related transactions
    4,713,875    
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and
foreign currency related transactions
    3,403,076    
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 140,332,271    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
11



ING Senior Income Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    Year
Ended
February 28,
2007
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2006
 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:  
Net investment income   $ 136,929,195     $ 95,638,727    
Net realized loss on investments and foreign
currency related transactions
    (1,310,799 )     (4,748,860 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on investments and foreign currency 
related transactions
    4,713,875       3,162,848    
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     140,332,271       94,052,715    
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:  
Net investment income  
Class A     (64,626,473 )     (41,083,708 )  
Class B     (7,057,368 )     (5,430,910 )  
Class C     (56,290,853 )     (40,253,552 )  
Class Q     (10,499,863 )     (9,102,024 )  
Net realized gain on investments  
Class A           (222,358 )  
Class B           (30,632 )  
Class C           (234,761 )  
Class Q           (48,368 )  
Total distributions     (138,474,557 )     (96,406,313 )  
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:  
Net proceeds from sale of shares     915,801,787       945,527,139    
Dividends reinvested     91,655,109       63,704,837    
      1,007,456,896       1,009,231,976    
Cost of shares repurchased     (982,810,449 )     (735,409,909 )  
Net increase in net assets resulting from
capital share transactions
    24,646,447       273,822,067    
Net increase in net assets     26,504,161       271,468,469    
NET ASSETS:  
Beginning of year     2,147,009,918       1,875,541,449    
End of year   $ 2,173,514,079     $ 2,147,009,918    
Distributions in excess of net investment income
at end of year
  $ (5,025,751 )   $ (1,537,786 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
12



ING Senior Income Fund

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended February 28, 2007

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
 
Interest received   $ 192,621,553    
Facility fees paid     (31,298 )  
Arrangement fees received     942,405    
Other income received     2,555,889    
Interest paid     (23,859,157 )  
Other operating expenses paid     (38,054,949 )  
Purchases of investments     (1,573,127,091 )  
Proceeds on sale of investments     1,706,729,468    
Net cash used for operating activities     267,776,820    
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:  
Distributions paid to common shareholders     (46,401,774 )  
Proceeds from capital shares sold     925,317,952    
Disbursements for capital shares repurchased     (982,810,449 )  
Net paydown of notes payable     (152,000,000 )  
Net cash flows provided by financing activities     (255,894,271 )  
Net increase in cash     11,882,549    
Cash at beginning of period     19,531,638    
Cash at end of period   $ 31,414,187    
Reconciliation Of Net Increase In Net Assets Resulting From
Operations To Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities:
         
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 140,332,271    
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting
from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments     (5,294,300 )  
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies     (11,262 )  
Change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on forward currency contracts     591,687    
Net accretion/amortization of discounts on investments     (222,696 )  
Realized loss on sale of investments and foreign currency related transactions     1,310,799    
Purchases of investments     (1,573,127,091 )  
Proceeds on sale of investments     1,706,729,468    
Increase in other assets     (8,660 )  
Increase in interest receivable     (2,349,059 )  
Increase in prepaid arrangement fees on notes payable     (12,401 )  
Decrease in prepaid expenses     68,905    
Decrease in deferred arrangement fees on senior loans     (141,160 )  
Decrease in accrued interest payable     (380,799 )  
Decrease in reimbursement due from manager     239,283    
Decrease in payable to affiliates     (61,407 )  
Increase in accrued trustee fees     27,001    
Increase in accrued expenses     86,241    
Total adjustments     127,444,549    
Net cash used for operating activities   $ 267,776,820    
Non Cash Financing Activities  
Receivable for shares sold   $ 10,575,562    
Reinvestment of dividends   $ 91,525,824    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
13




ING SENIOR INCOME FUND  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding for each year.

    Class A  
    Year Ended
February 28 or 29,
 
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
Per Share Operating Performance:  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 15.56       15.59       15.47       14.83       14.92    
Income from investment operations:  
Net investment income   $ 1.01       0.78       0.55       0.61       0.69    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   $ 0.02       (0.03 )     0.18       0.69       (0.09 )  
Total income from investment operations   $ 1.03       0.75       0.73       1.30       0.60    
Less distributions from:  
Net investment income   $ 1.02       0.78       0.56       0.64       0.69    
Net realized gain on investments   $             0.05       0.02          
Total distributions   $ 1.02       0.78       0.61       0.66       0.69    
Net asset value, end of year   $ 15.57       15.56       15.59       15.47       14.83    
Total Investment Return(1)    % 6.84       4.96       4.80       8.93       4.15    
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000's)   $ 998,140       918,621       736,740       172,975       11,106    
Average borrowings (000's)(2)    $ 404,137       325,044       34,767       20,771       17,655    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt   $ 10,171       6,519       1,251       *     689    
Ratios to average net assets after reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 1.50       1.50       1.34       1.36       1.42    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.56       2.20       1.45       1.43       1.63    
Net investment income(3)    % 6.42       4.98       3.49       3.84       4.88    
Ratios to average net assets before reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 1.48       1.48       1.35       1.46       1.57    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.54       2.18       1.46       1.53       1.78    
Net investment income(3)    % 6.44       5.00       3.48       3.74       4.73    
Portfolio turnover rate   % 57       82       82       72       60    
Shares outstanding at end of year (000's)     64,122       59,029       47,252       11,180       749    
    Class B  
    Year Ended
February 28 or 29,
 
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
Per Share Operating Performance:  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 15.53       15.57       15.45       14.82       14.92    
Income from investment operations:  
Net investment income   $ 0.92       0.70       0.47 **     0.53       0.62    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   $ 0.02       (0.04 )     0.18 **     0.69       (0.10 )  
Total income from investment operations   $ 0.94       0.66       0.65       1.22       0.52    
Less distributions from:  
Net investment income   $ 0.94       0.70       0.48       0.57       0.62    
Net realized gain on investments   $             0.05       0.02          
Total distributions   $ 0.94       0.70       0.53       0.59       0.62    
Net asset value, end of year   $ 15.53       15.53       15.57       15.45       14.82    
Total Investment Return(1)    % 6.26       4.37       4.28       8.33       3.57    
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000's)   $ 111,749       120,254       125,200       62,852       17,648    
Average borrowings (000's)(2)    $ 404,137       325,044       34,767       20,771       17,655    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt   $ 10,171       6,519       1,251       *     689    
Ratios to average net assets after reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.00       1.99       1.87       1.87       1.91    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 3.06       2.69       1.94       1.97       2.09    
Net investment income(3)    % 5.91       4.45       2.93       3.47       4.12    
Ratios to average net assets before reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.23       1.97       2.13       2.22       2.31    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 3.29       2.67       2.19       2.31       2.49    
Net investment income(3)    % 5.68       4.47       2.67       3.13       3.72    
Portfolio turnover rate   % 57       82       82       72       60    
Shares outstanding at end of year (000's)     7,195       7,742       8,043       4,068       1,191    

 

(1)  Total investment returns do not include sales load.

(2)  Based on the active days of borrowing.

(3)  The Investment Adviser has agreed to limit expenses excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, leverage expenses, other investment related costs and extraordinary expenses, subject to possible recoupment by the Investment Adviser within three years to the following:

Class A – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.45% of average daily net assets

Class B – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 1.20% of average daily net assets

Class C – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.95% of average daily net assets

Class Q – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.45% of average daily net assets

*  There were no loans outstanding at period end.

**  Per share numbers have been calculated using average number of shares outstanding throughout the period.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
14



ING SENIOR INCOME FUND (CONTINUED)  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding for each year.

    Class C  
    Year Ended
February 28 or 29,
 
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
Per Share Operating Performance:  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 15.55       15.58       15.46       14.82       14.92    
Income from investment operations:  
Net investment income   $ 0.93       0.70       0.47       0.53       0.62    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   $ 0.01       (0.03 )     0.18       0.70       (0.10 )  
Total income from investment operations   $ 0.94       0.67       0.65       1.23       0.52    
Less distributions from:  
Net investment income   $ 0.94       0.70       0.48       0.57       0.62    
Net realized gain on investments   $             0.05       0.02          
Total distributions   $ 0.94       0.70       0.53       0.59       0.62    
Net asset value, end of year   $ 15.55       15.55       15.58       15.46       14.82    
Total Investment Return(1)    % 6.25       4.44       4.28       8.40       3.57    
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000's)   $ 927,950       923,549       830,584       275,849       32,647    
Average borrowings (000's)(2)    $ 404,137       325,044       34,767       20,771       17,655    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt   $ 10,171       6,519       1,251       *     689    
Ratios to average net assets after reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.00       1.99       1.83       1.86       1.91    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 3.06       2.69       1.94       1.94       2.09    
Net investment income(3)    % 5.92       4.46       2.88       3.38       4.19    
Ratios to average net assets before reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 1.98       1.97       1.83       1.96       2.06    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 3.04       2.67       1.95       2.04       2.24    
Net investment income(3)    % 5.93       4.48       2.87       3.28       4.04    
Portfolio turnover rate   % 57       82       82       72       60    
Shares outstanding at end of year (000's)     59,679       59,402       53,316       17,841       2,202    
    Class Q  
    Year Ended
February 28 or 29,
 
    2007   2006   2005   2004   2003  
Per Share Operating Performance:  
Net asset value, beginning of year   $ 15.49       15.52       15.41       14.79       14.89    
Income from investment operations:  
Net investment income   $ 0.99       0.78       0.52       0.63       0.69    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   $ 0.03       (0.03 )     0.20       0.65       (0.10 )  
Total income from investment operations   $ 1.02       0.75       0.72       1.28       0.59    
Less distributions from:  
Net investment income   $ 1.02       0.78       0.56       0.64       0.69    
Net realized gain on investments   $             0.05       0.02          
Total distributions   $ 1.02       0.78       0.61       0.66       0.69    
Net asset value, end of year   $ 15.49       15.49       15.52       15.41       14.79    
Total Investment Return(1)    % 6.81       4.97       4.75       8.82       4.09    
Ratios/Supplemental Data:  
Net assets, end of year (000's)   $ 135,675       184,586       183,017       157,051       215,341    
Average borrowings (000's)(2)    $ 404,137       325,044       34,767       20,771       17,655    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt   $ 10,171       6,519       1,251       *     689    
Ratios to average net assets after reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 1.50       1.49       1.34       1.40       1.41    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.56       2.19       1.45       1.54       1.59    
Net investment income(3)    % 6.39       4.96       3.39       4.17       4.69    
Ratios to average net assets before reimbursement/recoupment:  
Expenses (before interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 1.48       1.47       1.34       1.48       1.56    
Expenses (with interest and other fees related to revolving credit facility)(3)    % 2.54       2.17       1.45       1.62       1.74    
Net investment income(3)    % 6.41       4.98       3.38       4.09       4.54    
Portfolio turnover rate   % 57       82       82       72       60    
Shares outstanding at end of year (000's)     8,761       11,918       11,789       10,188       14,559    

 

(1)  Total investment returns do not include sales load.

(2)  Based on the active days of borrowing.

(3)  The Investment Adviser has agreed to limit expenses excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, leverage expenses, other investment related costs and extraordinary expenses, subject to

possible recoupment by the Investment Adviser within three years to the following:

Class A – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.45% of average daily net assets

Class B – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 1.20% of average daily net assets

Class C – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.95% of average daily net assets

Class Q – 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.45% of average daily net assets

*  There were no loans outstanding at period end.

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
15




ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007

NOTE 1 — ORGANIZATION

ING Senior Income Fund (the "Fund"), a Delaware statutory trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended, (the "1940 Act"), as a continuously-offered, diversified, closed-end, management investment company. The Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets plus the amount of any borrowings, for investment purposes, in U.S. dollar denominated, floating rate secured senior loans, which generally are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "'33 Act"), but contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. These loans bear interest (unless otherwise noted) at rates that float periodically at a margin above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other short-term rates. During the period December 15, 2000 through March 30, 2001, the Fund issued 19,933,953 Class Q shares to an affiliate of the Fund's manager, ING Investments, LLC (the "Investment Manager") in exchange for $200,000,000. Effective April 2, 2001, the Fund commenced the offering of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Q shares to the public.

The Fund currently has four classes of shares; A, B, C and Q. Class A shares are subject to a sales charge of up to 2.50%. Class A shares purchased in excess of $1,000,000 are not subject to a sales charge but are subject to an Early Withdrawal Charge ("EWC") of up to 1% within one year of purchase. Class A shares are issued upon conversion of Class B shares eight years after purchase or through an exchange of Class A shares of certain ING Funds. Class B shares are subject to an EWC of up to 3% over the five-year period after purchase and Class C shares are subject to an EWC of 1% during the first year after purchase.

To maintain a measure of liquidity, the Fund offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding common shares on a monthly basis. This is a fundamental policy that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund currently anticipates offerings to repurchase 5% of its outstanding common shares each month. The Fund may not repurchase more than 25% in any calendar quarter. Other than these monthly repurchases, no market for the Fund's common shares is expected to exist. The separate classes of shares differ principally in their distribution fees and shareholder servicing fees. All shareholders bear the common expenses of the Fund and earn income and realized gains/losses from the portfolio pro rata on the average daily net assets of each class, without distinction between share classes. Differences in the per share dividend rates generally result from differences in separate class expenses, including distribution fees and shareholder servicing fees.

Effective January 31, 2005, Class B common shares of the Fund became closed to new investment, provided that (1) Class B common shares of the Fund may be purchased through the reinvestment of dividends issued by the Fund; and (2) subject to the terms and conditions of relevant exchange privileges and as permitted under their respective prospectuses, Class B common shares of the Fund may be acquired through exchange of Class B shares of other funds in the ING mutual funds complex for the Fund's Class B common shares.

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

A.  Senior Loan and Other Security Valuation. Senior loans held by the Fund are normally valued at the average of the means of one or more bid and asked quotations obtained from a pricing service or other sources determined by the Board of Trustees to be independent and believed to be reliable. Loans for which reliable market value quotations are not readily available may be valued with reference to another loan or a group of loans for which quotations are more readily available and whose characteristics are comparable to the loan being valued. Under this approach, the comparable loan or loans serve as a proxy for changes in value of the loan being valued. The Fund has engaged an independent pricing service to provide quotations from dealers in loans and to calculate values under the proxy procedure described above.


16



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

It is expected that most of the loans held by the Fund will be valued with reference to quotations from the independent pricing service or with reference to the proxy procedure described above. As of February 28, 2007, 99.96% of total loans were valued based on these procedures.

Prices from a pricing service may not be available for all loans and the Investment Manager may believe that the price for a loan derived from market quotations or the proxy procedure described above is not reliable or accurate. Among other reasons, this may be the result of information about a particular loan or borrower known to the Investment Manager that the Investment Manager believes may not be known to the pricing service or reflected in a price quote. In this event, the loan is valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees and in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. Under these procedures, fair value is determined by the Investment Manager and monitored by the Fund's Board of Trustees through its Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee (formerly, Valuation and Proxy Committee).

In fair valuing a loan, consideration is given to several factors, which may include, among others, the following: (i) the characteristics of and fundamental analytical data relating to the loan, including the cost, size, current interest rate, period until the next interest rate reset, maturity and base lending rate of the loan, the terms and conditions of the loan and any related agreements, and the position of the loan in the borrower's debt structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the collateral, including the Fund's rights, remedies and interests with respect to the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the borrower and the cash flow coverage of outstanding principal and interest, based on an evaluation of its financial condition, financial statements and information about the borrower's business, cash flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) information relating to the market for the loan, including price quotations for, and trading in, the loan and interests in similar loans and the market environment and investor attitudes towards the loan and interests in similar loans; (v) the reputation and financial condition of the agent for the loan and any intermediate participants in the loan; (vi) the borrower's management; and (vii) the general economic and market conditions affecting the fair value of the loan. Securities other than senior loans for which reliable market value quotations are not readily available and all other assets will be valued at their respective fair values as determined in good faith by, and under procedures established by, the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Investments in securities maturing in 60 days or less from the date of valuation are valued at amortized cost, which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates market value. To the extent the Fund invests in other registered companies, the Fund's NAV is calculated based on the current NAV of the registered investment company in which the Fund invests. The prospectuses for those investment companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

B.  Distributions to Shareholders. The Fund declares and goes ex-dividend daily and pays dividends monthly from net investment income. Distributions from capital gains, if any, are declared and paid annually. The Fund may make additional distributions to comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The character and amounts of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies. The Fund records distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date.

C.  Security Transactions and Revenue Recognition. Revolver and delayed draw loans are booked on a settlement date basis. Security transactions and senior loans are accounted for on trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains or losses are reported on the basis of identified cost of securities sold. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis at the then-current loan rate. The accrual of interest on loans is partially or fully discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication that the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. If determined to be uncollectible, unpaid accrued interest is also written off. Cash collections on non-accrual senior loans are generally applied as a reduction to the recorded investment of the loan. Loans are generally returned to accrual status only after all past due amounts have been received and the borrower has demonstrated sustained performance. Premium amortization and discount accretion are determined by the effective yield method over the shorter


17



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 2 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

of four years or the actual term of the loan. Arrangement fees received on revolving credit facilities, which represent non-refundable fees or purchase discounts associated with the acquisition of loans, are deferred and recognized using the effective yield method over the shorter of four years or the actual term of the loan. No such fees are recognized on loans which have been placed on non-accrual status. Arrangement fees associated with all other loans, except revolving credit facilities, are treated as discounts and are accreted as described above. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

D.  Federal Income Taxes. It is the Fund's policy to comply with subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and related excise tax provisions applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. No capital gain distributions shall be made until any capital loss carryforwards have been fully utilized or expire.

E.  Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

F.  Forward Foreign Currency Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts primarily to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risks on its non-U.S. dollar denominated investment securities. When entering into a currency forward contract, the Fund agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Fund's net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward rates at the reporting date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations. These instruments involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movement in currency and securities values and interest rates. Open forward foreign currency contracts are presented following the respective Portfolio of Investments.

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS

For the year ended February 28, 2007, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from principal repayment and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments, totaled $1,495,126,712 and $1,726,459,619, respectively. At February 28, 2007, the Fund held senior loans valued at $2,373,504,684 representing 99.4% of its total investments. The market value of these assets is established as set forth in Note 2.

The senior loans acquired by the Fund typically take the form of a direct lending relationship with the borrower acquired through an assignment of another lender's interest in a loan. The lead lender in a typical corporate loan syndicate administers the loan and monitors collateral. In the event that the lead lender becomes insolvent, enters FDIC receivership or, if not FDIC insured, enters into bankruptcy, the Fund may incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment, or may suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.

Warrants and shares of common stock held in the portfolio were acquired in conjunction with loans held by the Fund. Certain of these shares and warrants are restricted and may not be publicly sold without registration under the '33 Act, or without an exemption under the 1933 Act. In some cases, these restrictions expire after a designated period of time after the issuance of the shares or warrants.


18



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS (continued)

Dates of acquisition and cost or assigned basis of restricted securities are as follows:

    Date of
Acquisition
  Cost or
Assigned Basis
 
Decision One Corporation (371,026 Common Shares)   06/03/05   $ 295,535    
Neoplan USA Corporation (1,627 Common Shares)   08/31/04        
Neoplan USA Corporation (170 Series B Preferred Shares)   08/29/03        
Neoplan USA Corporation (102 Series C Preferred Shares)   08/29/03     40,207    
Neoplan USA Corporation (331 Series D Preferred Shares)   08/29/03     330,600    
Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. (80,087 Common Shares)   08/23/04     10,046    
Safelite Glass Corporation (444,496 Common Shares)   06/21/01     184,913    
Safelite Realty Corporation (30,003 Common Shares)   06/21/01        
Total restricted securities excluding senior loans (market value
of $9,488,597 was 0.4% of net assets at February 28, 2007).
      $ 861,301    

 

NOTE 4 — MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS

The Fund has entered into an investment management agreement ("Management Agreement") with the Investment Adviser to provide advisory and management services. The Management Agreement compensates the Investment Adviser with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Fund's average daily gross asset value, minus the sum of the Fund's accrued and unpaid dividends on any outstanding preferred shares and accrued liabilities (other than liabilities for the principal amount of any borrowings incurred, commercial paper or notes issued by the Fund and the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares) ("Managed Assets"). The Fund is sub-advised by ING Investment Management Co. ("ING IM"). Under the sub-advisory agreement, ING IM is responsible for managing the assets of the Fund in accordance with its investment objective and policies, subject to oversight by the Investment Adviser. Both ING IM and the Investment Adviser are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of ING Groep N.V. ("ING Groep") and affiliates of each other.

The Fund has also entered into an Administration Agreement with ING Funds Services, LLC (the "Administrator"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of ING Groep N.V., to provide administrative services. The Administrator is compensated with a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.10% of the Fund's Managed Assets.

NOTE 5 — DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEES

Each share class of the Fund has adopted a Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "12b-1 Plans"), whereby ING Funds Distributor, LLC (the "Distributor") is compensated by the Fund for expenses incurred in the distribution of the Fund's shares ("Distribution Fees"). Pursuant to the 12b-1 Plans, the Distributor is entitled to a payment each month for actual expenses incurred in the distribution and promotion of the Fund's shares, including expenses incurred in printing prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses incurred in preparing and printing sales literature and other such distribution related expenses, including any distribution or Shareholder Servicing Fees ("Service Fees") paid to securities dealers who executed a distribution agreement with the Distributor. Under the 12b-1 plans, each class of shares of the Fund pays the Distributor a combined Distribution and/or Service Fee based on average daily net assets at the following annual rates:

Class A   Class B   Class C   Class Q  
  0.25 %     1.00 %     0.75 %     0.25 %  

 

During the year ended February 28, 2007, the Distributor waived 0.25% of the Service Fee on Class B shares only.


19



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 6 — EXPENSE LIMITATIONS

The Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit expenses, excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, leverage expenses, other investment-related costs and extraordinary expenses, to the following:

Class A — 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.45% of average daily net assets  
Class B — 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 1.20% of average daily net assets  
Class C — 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.95% of average daily net assets  
Class Q — 0.90% of Managed Assets plus 0.45% of average daily net assets  

 

For the year ended February 28, 2007, $275,493 of prior year amounts waived and reimbursed fees subject to recoupment have been recouped by the Investment Adviser. There are currently no outstanding waived and reimbursed fees eligible for future recoupment.

NOTE 7 — COMMITMENTS

The Fund has entered into a revolving credit agreement, collateralized by assets of the Fund, to borrow up to $750 million maturing June 14, 2007. Borrowing rates under this agreement are based on a commercial paper pass through rate plus 0.25% on the funded portion. A facility fee of 0.15% is charged on the entire facility. There was $237 million of borrowings outstanding at February 28, 2007 at a rate of 5.66%, excluding other fees related to the entire facility. Average borrowings for the year ended February 28, 2007 were $404,136,986 and the average annualized interest rate was 5.81%, excluding other fees related to the entire facility.

NOTE 8 — SENIOR LOAN COMMITMENTS

As of February 28, 2007, the Fund had unfunded loan commitments pursuant to the terms of the following loan agreements:

Builders Firstsource, Inc.   $ 1,500,000    
Coleto Creek Power     5,000,000    
Federal-Mogul Corp.     4,120,000    
Hearthstone Housing Partners II, LLC     1,279,412    
Herbst Gaming, Inc.     833,333    
Infrastrux Group, Inc.     350,000    
Kerasotes Theatres, Inc.     900,000    
Lucite International U.S. Finco Ltd.     1,400,287    
MEG Energy Corp.     4,200,000    
Norwood Promotional Products
Holdings, Inc.
  $ 2,135,662    
Oglebay Norton Co.     400,000    
Primedia, Inc.     3,475,350    
Sturm Foods, Inc.     500,000    
Syniverse Holding, LLC     1,500,000    
Trump Entertainment Resorts
Holdings, L.P.
    1,723,750    
United States Shipping, LLC     503,226    
Venetian Macau, Ltd.     2,400,000    
Wastequip, Inc.     3,690,332    
    $ 35,936,352    

 

NOTE 9 — TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND RELATED PARTIES

At February 28, 2007, the Fund had the following amounts recorded in payable to affiliates on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities (see Notes 4 and 5):

Accrued Investment
Management Fees
  Accrued
Administrative Fees
  Accrued Distribution
and Service Fees
  Total  
$ 1,506,940     $ 188,367     $ 813,504     $ 2,508,811    

 

The Fund has adopted a Retirement Policy ("Policy") covering all independent trustees of the Fund who will have served as an independent trustee for at least five years at the time of retirement. Benefits under this Policy are based on an annual rate as defined in the Policy agreement, as amended.


20



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 10 — CUSTODIAL AGREEMENT

State Street Bank and Trust Company ("SSB") serves as the Fund's custodian and recordkeeper. Custody fees paid to SSB may be reduced by earnings credits based on the cash balances held by SSB for the Fund.

There were no earnings credits for the year ended February 28, 2007.

NOTE 11 — SUBORDINATED LOANS AND UNSECURED LOANS

The primary risk arising from investing in subordinated loans or in unsecured loans is the potential loss in the event of default by the issuer of the loans. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets, measured at the time of investment, in subordinated loans and up to 10% of its total assets, measured at the time of investment, in unsecured loans. As of February 28, 2007, the Fund held 0.2% of its total assets in subordinated loans and unsecured loans.

NOTE 12 — CAPITAL SHARES

Transactions in capital shares and dollars were as follows:

    Class A Shares   Class B Shares  
    Year
Ended
February 28,
2007
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2006
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2007
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2006
 
Number of Shares  
Shares sold     32,168,921       31,514,689       887,201       1,200,449    
Dividends reinvested     2,946,341       1,898,903       312,109       239,725    
Shares redeemed     (30,022,776 )     (21,636,099 )     (1,746,090 )     (1,741,409 )  
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     5,092,486       11,777,493       (546,780 )     (301,235 )  
Dollar Amount ($)  
Shares sold   $ 498,004,945     $ 489,981,974     $ 13,712,848     $ 18,629,961    
Dividends reinvested     44,687,774       28,952,268       4,755,391       3,673,529    
Shares redeemed     (464,618,771 )     (336,384,874 )     (26,983,867 )     (27,037,514 )  
Net increase (decrease)   $ 78,073,948     $ 182,549,368     $ (8,515,628 )   $ (4,734,024 )  
    Class C Shares   Class Q Shares  
    Year
Ended
February 28,
2007
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2006
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2007
  Year
Ended
February 28,
2006
 
Number of Shares  
Shares sold     19,971,910       21,990,018       6,177,228       6,157,327    
Dividends reinvested     2,633,036       1,896,487       145,573       139,868    
Shares redeemed     (22,327,696 )     (17,801,097 )     (9,479,659 )     (6,168,276 )  
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     277,250       6,085,408       (3,156,858 )     128,919    
Dollar Amount ($)  
Shares sold   $ 308,955,952     $ 341,614,102     $ 95,128,042     $ 95,301,102    
Dividends reinvested     39,969,119       29,009,463       2,242,825       2,069,577    
Shares redeemed     (345,190,055 )     (276,458,120 )     (146,017,756 )     (95,529,401 )  
Net increase (decrease)   $ 3,735,016     $ 94,165,445     $ (48,646,889 )   $ 1,841,278    

 

NOTE 13 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The amount of distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies. These book/tax differences may be either temporary or permanent. Permanent differences are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences are not reclassified. Key differences include the treatment of short-term capital gains, foreign currency transactions, and wash sale deferrals. Distributions in excess of net investment income and/or net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as distributions of paid-in capital.


21



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 13 — FEDERAL INCOME TAXES (continued)

The following permanent tax differences have been reclassified as of February 28, 2007:

Paid-in
Capital
  Undistributed
Net Investment
Income
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gains/(Losses)
 
$ (261,321 )   $ (1,942,602 )   $ 2,203,923    

 

Dividends paid by the Fund from net investment income and distributions of net realized short-term capital gains are, for federal income tax purposes, taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.

The tax composition of dividends and distributions to shareholders was as follows:

  Year Ended February 28, 2007   Year Ended February 28, 2006  
 
Ordinary Income
  Ordinary
Income
  Long-Term
Capital Gains
 
  $ 138,474,557     $ 96,285,686     $ 120,627    

 

The tax-basis components of distributable earnings and the expiration dates of the capital loss carryforwards which may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes as of February 28, 2007 were:

Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation
  Post-October
Currency
Losses
Deferred
  Capital Loss
Carryforwards
  Expiration
Dates
 
$ 32,328,406     $ (2,222,078 )   $ (2,774,928 )     2014    
          (823,036 )     2015    
        $ (3,597,964 )    

 

NOTE 14 — OTHER ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"), "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." This standard defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax-return positions in the financial statements as "more-likely-than-not" to be sustained upon challenge by the taxing authority and requires measurement of a tax position meeting the more-likely-than-not criterion, based on the largest benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with early application permitted if no interim financial statements have been issued. However, acknowledging the unique issues that FIN 48 presents for investment companies that calculate NAVs, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has indicated that they would not object if a fund implements FIN 48 in its NAV calculation as late as its last NAV calculation in the first required financial statement reporting period for its fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. For the February year-end closed-end funds, this would be no later than their August 31, 2007 NAV and the effects of FIN 48 would be reflected in the funds' semi-annual financial statements contained in their Form N-CSR filing. At adoption, companies must adjust their financial statements to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely-than-not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Management of the Fund has assessed the impact of adopting FIN 48 and currently does not believe that there will be a material impact to the Fund.

On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 ("SFAS No. 157"), "Fair Value Measurements." The new accounting statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). SFAS No. 157 also stipulates that, as a market-based measurement, fair value measurement should be determined


22



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 14 — OTHER ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (continued)

based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, and establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (a) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (b) the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As of February 28, 2007, management of the Fund is currently assessing the impact, if any, that will result from adopting SFAS No. 157.

NOTE 15 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S US MUTUAL FUNDS

In 2004, ING Investments reported to the Boards of Directors/Trustees (the "Boards") of the ING Funds that, like many U.S. financial services companies, ING Investments and certain of its U.S. affiliates had received informal and formal requests for information since September 2003 from various governmental and self-regulatory agencies in connection with investigations related to mutual funds and variable insurance products. ING Investments has advised the Boards that it and its affiliates have cooperated fully with each request.

In addition to responding to regulatory and governmental requests, ING Investments reported that management of U.S. affiliates of ING Groep, including ING Investments (collectively, "ING"), on their own initiative, have conducted, through independent special counsel and a national accounting firm, an extensive internal review of trading in ING insurance, retirement, and mutual fund products. The goal of this review was to identify any instances of inappropriate trading in those products by third parties or by ING investment professionals and other ING personnel. ING's internal review related to mutual fund trading is now substantially completed. ING has reported that, of the millions of customer relationships that ING maintains, the internal review identified several isolated arrangements allowing third parties to engage in frequent trading of mutual funds within ING's variable insurance and mutual fund products, and identified other circumstances where frequent trading occurred, despite measures taken by ING intended to combat market timing. ING further reported that each of these arrangements has been terminated and fully disclosed to regulators. The results of the internal review were also reported to the independent members of the Boards.

ING Investments has advised the Boards that most of the identified arrangements were initiated prior to ING's acquisition of the businesses in question in the U.S. ING Investments further reported that the companies in question did not receive special benefits in return for any of these arrangements, which have all been terminated.

Based on the internal review, ING Investments has advised the Boards that the identified arrangements do not represent a systemic problem in any of the companies that were involved.

In September 2005, ING Funds Distributor, LLC ("IFD"), the distributor of certain ING Funds, settled an administrative proceeding with the NASD regarding three arrangements, dating from 1995, 1996 and 1998, under which the administrator to the then-Pilgrim Funds, which subsequently became part of the ING Funds, entered into formal and informal arrangements that permitted frequent trading. Under the terms of the Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent ("AWC") with the NASD, under which IFD neither admitted nor denied the allegations or findings, IFD consented to the following sanctions: (i) a censure; (ii) a fine of $1.5 million; (iii) restitution of approximately $1.44 million to certain ING Funds for losses attributable to excessive trading described in the AWC; and (iv) agreement to make certification to NASD regarding the review and establishment of certain procedures.


23



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 15 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S U.S. MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

In addition to the arrangements discussed above, in 2004 ING Investments reported to the Boards that, at that time, these instances include the following, in addition to the arrangements subject to the AWC discussed above:

•  Aeltus Investment Management, Inc. (a predecessor entity to ING Investment Management Co.) identified two investment professionals who engaged in extensive frequent trading in certain ING Funds. One was subsequently terminated for cause and incurred substantial financial penalties in connection with this conduct and the second has been disciplined.

•  ReliaStar Life Insurance Company ("ReliaStar") entered into agreements seven years ago permitting the owner of policies issued by the insurer to engage in frequent trading and to submit orders until 4pm Central Time. In 2001 ReliaStar also entered into a selling agreement with a broker-dealer that engaged in frequent trading. Employees of ING affiliates were terminated and/or disciplined in connection with these matters.

•  In 1998, Golden American Life Insurance Company entered into arrangements permitting a broker-dealer to frequently trade up to certain specific limits in a fund available in an ING variable annuity product. No employee responsible for this arrangement remains at the company.

For additional information regarding these matters, you may consult the Form 8-K and Form 8-K/A for each of four life insurance companies, ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company, ING Insurance Company of America, and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York, each filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on October 29, 2004 and September 8, 2004. These Forms 8-K and Forms 8-K/A can be accessed through the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. Despite the extensive internal review conducted through independent special counsel and a national accounting firm, there can be no assurance that the instances of inappropriate trading reported to the Boards are the only instances of such trading respecting the ING Funds.

ING Investments reported to the Boards that ING is committed to conducting its business with the highest standards of ethical conduct with zero tolerance for noncompliance. Accordingly, ING Investments advised the Boards that ING management was disappointed that its voluntary internal review identified these situations. Viewed in the context of the breadth and magnitude of its U.S. business as a whole, ING management does not believe that ING's acquired companies had systemic ethical or compliance issues in these areas. Nonetheless, ING Investments reported that given ING's refusal to tolerate any lapses, it has taken the steps noted below, and will continue to seek opportunities to further strengthen the internal controls of its affiliates.

•  ING has agreed with the ING Funds to indemnify and hold harmless the ING Funds from all damages resulting from wrongful conduct by ING or its employees or from ING's internal investigation, any investigations conducted by any governmental or self-regulatory agencies, litigation or other formal proceedings, including any proceedings by the Securities and Exchange Commission. ING Investments reported to the Board that ING management believes that the total amount of any indemnification obligations will not be material to ING or its U.S. business.

•  ING updated its Code of Conduct for employees reinforcing its employees' obligation to conduct personal trading activity consistent with the law, disclosed limits, and other requirements.

•  The ING Funds, upon a recommendation from ING, updated their respective Codes of Ethics applicable to investment professionals with ING entities and certain other fund personnel,


24



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 15 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S U.S. MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

requiring such personnel to pre-clear any purchases or sales of ING Funds that are not systematic in nature (i.e., dividend reinvestment), and imposing minimum holding periods for shares of ING Funds.

•  ING instituted excessive trading policies for all customers in its variable insurance and retirement products and for shareholders of the ING Funds sold to the public through financial intermediaries. ING does not make exceptions to these policies.

•  ING reorganized and expanded its U.S. Compliance Department, and created an Enterprise Compliance team to enhance controls and consistency in regulatory compliance.

Other Regulatory Matters

The New York Attorney General (the "NYAG") and other federal and state regulators are also conducting broad inquiries and investigations involving the insurance industry. These initiatives currently focus on, among other things, compensation and other sales incentives; potential conflicts of interest; potential anti-competitive activity; reinsurance; marketing practices (including suitability); specific product types (including group annuities and indexed annuities); fund selection for investment products and brokerage sales; and disclosure. It is likely that the scope of these industry investigations will further broaden before they conclude. ING has received formal and informal requests in connection with such investigations, and is cooperating fully with each request. In connection with one such investigation, affiliates of ING Investments were named in a petition for relief and cease and desist order filed by the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation (the "NH Bureau") concerning their administration of the New Hampshire state employees deferred compensation plan.

On October 10, 2006, an affiliate of ING Investments entered into an assurance of discontinuance with the NYAG (the "NYAG Agreement") regarding the endorsement of its products by the New York State United Teachers Union Member Benefits Trust ("NYSUT") and the sale of their products to NYSUT members. Under the terms of the NYAG Agreement, the affiliate of ING Investments, without admitting or denying the NYAG's findings, will distribute $30 million to NYSUT members, and/or former NYSUT members, who participated in the NYSUT-endorsed products at any point between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2006. The affiliate also agreed with the NYAG's office to develop a one-page disclosure that will further improve transparency and disclosure regarding retirement product fees (the "One-Page Disclosure"). Pursuant to the terms of the NYAG Agreement, the affiliate has agreed for a five year period to provide its retirement product customers with the One-Page Disclosure.

In addition, on the same date, these affiliates of ING Investments entered into a consent agreement with the NH Bureau (the "NH Agreement") to resolve this petition for relief and cease and desist order. Under the terms of the NH Agreement, these affiliates of ING Investments, without admitting or denying the NH Bureau's claims, have agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the matter, and for a five year period to provide their retirement product customers with the One-Page Disclosure described above.

Other federal and state regulators could initiate similar actions in this or other areas of ING's businesses.

These regulatory initiatives may result in new legislation and regulation that could significantly affect the financial services industry, including businesses in which ING is engaged.

In light of these and other developments, ING continuously reviews whether modifications to its business practices are appropriate.


25



ING Senior Income Fund

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

NOTE 15 — INFORMATION REGARDING TRADING OF ING'S U.S. MUTUAL FUNDS (continued)

At this time, in light of the current regulatory factors, ING U.S. is actively engaged in reviewing whether any modifications in our practices are appropriate for the future.

There can be no assurance that these matters, or the adverse publicity associated with them, will not result in increased fund redemptions, reduced sale of fund shares, or other adverse consequences to ING Funds.

NOTE 16 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

DIVIDENDS DECLARED

Subsequent to February 28, 2007, the Fund declared the following dividends:

Per Share Amount   Type   Declaration Date   Record Date   Payable Date  
$ 0.08827 (A)   NII   Daily   Daily   April 2, 2007  
$ 0.08174 (B)   NII   Daily   Daily   April 2, 2007  

 

NII — Net Investment Income

(A) For Class A and Q shares.

(B) For Class B and C shares.


26



ING Senior Income Fund

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures that the Registrant uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio securities is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at 1-800-992-0180; (2) on the Registrant's website at www.ingfunds.com; and (3) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Registrant voted proxies related to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge on the Registrant's website at www.ingfunds.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Registrant files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Registrant's Forms N-Q are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Registrant's Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commissions Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330; and is available upon request from the Registrant by calling Shareholder Services toll-free at 800-992-0180.


27




ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007

Senior Loans*: 109.2%           Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Aerospace & Defense: 1.6%      
          Avio Group   NR   NR        
EUR 708,333       Term Loan, 6.032%,
maturing December 13, 2014
      $ 951,516    
$ 590,346       Term Loan, 7.725%,
maturing December 13, 2014
          598,279    
EUR 708,333       Term Loan, 6.407%,
maturing December 13, 2015
          955,721    
$ 590,346       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing December 13, 2015
          601,230    
            DeCrane Aircraft Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  500,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014         502,500    
          (1 )   Delta   Ba3   B+        
  2,000,000       Debtor in Possession Term Loan, 10.110%,
maturing March 16, 2008
        2,017,500    
            Dyncorp International LLC   Ba2   BB-        
  2,435,449       Term Loan, 7.656%,
maturing February 11, 2011
        2,457,774    
            Forgings International Ltd.   NR   NR        
GBP 239,337       Term Loan, 7.769%,
maturing August 11, 2014
          475,703    
$ 1,362,698       Term Loan, 7.850%,
maturing August 11, 2014
          1,379,449    
GBP 241,073       Term Loan, 8.019%,
maturing August 11, 2015
          481,322    
$ 1,369,696       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing August 11, 2015
          1,392,810    
            Hexcel Corporation   Ba2   BB-        
  1,078,657       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing March 01, 2012
        1,081,803    
            IAP Worldwide Services, Inc.   B2   B        
  1,980,000       Term Loan, 9.688%,
maturing December 30, 2012
        1,990,520    
            K&F Industries, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,979,167       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 18, 2012
        4,005,282    
            Onex Wind Finance LP   Ba3   BB+        
  982,953       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing December 31, 2011
        989,402    
            Transdigm, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,500,000       Term Loan, 7.366%,
maturing June 23, 2013
        3,530,625    
          United Airlines, Inc.   B1   B+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing February 01, 2014
        3,017,577    
            US Airways   B2   B        
  5,500,000       Term Loan, 8.864%,
maturing March 31, 2011
        5,544,198    
            Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corporation   B1   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing September 29, 2013
        1,512,891    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
28



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

   

 

  Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Aerospace & Defense: (continued)      
                Wyle Holdings Inc.   NR   B+        
$ 1,788,109           Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing January 28, 2011
      $ 1,797,609    
      35,283,711    
Automobile: 3.4%      
          (1 )   Federal-Mogul Corporation   NR   BBB+        
  880,000           Revolver, 1.641%, maturing July 01, 2007         880,000    
  1,500,000           Debtor in Possession Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing July 01, 2007
        1,503,563    
                Ford Motor Company   Ba3   B        
  4,500,000           Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing December 15, 2013
        4,557,186    
                Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.   Ba1   BB        
  5,500,000           Term Loan, 7.572%,
maturing April 30, 2010
        5,549,110    
                Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.   Ba3   B+        
  10,500,000           Term Loan, 8.140%,
maturing April 30, 2010
        10,635,629    
                Hertz   Ba1   BB        
  6,648,824           Term Loan, 7.090%,
maturing December 21, 2012
        6,715,831    
  1,500,000           Term Loan, 7.365%,
maturing December 21, 2012
        1,515,117    
                Navistar International Corporation   NR   NR        
  1,200,000           Revolver, 7.168%,
maturing January 19, 2012
        1,222,650    
                Oshkosh Truck Corporation   Ba3   BB        
  21,000,000           Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing December 06, 2013
        21,204,372    
                SAF-Holland Group GmbH   NR   NR        
  768,615       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing January 07, 2015         778,223    
  703,366       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 07, 2016         712,158    
          (1 )   RJ Tower Corporation   B1   BBB        
  4,500,000           Debtor in Possession Term Loan, 9.938%,
maturing August 02, 2007
        4,494,843    
                TRW Automotive, Inc.   Ba1   BB+        
  7,350,000           Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing October 31, 2010
        7,376,034    
  1,460,000           Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        1,458,632    
  952,734           Term Loan, 6.938%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        954,594    
                Vanguard Car Rental USA Holdings Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  4,097,500           Term Loan, 8.350%,
maturing June 14, 2013
        4,146,158    
      73,704,100    
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: 3.7%      
                ARAMARK   Ba3   B+        
  2,338,109           Term Loan, 7.445%,
maturing January 26, 2014
        2,364,852    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
29



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: (continued)      
            ARAMARK (continued)            
$ 24,561,891       Term Loan, 7.470%,
maturing January 26, 2014
      $ 24,842,830    
            B&G Foods, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  1,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 23, 2013         1,013,750    
            Bolthouse Farms, Inc   B1   B+        
  1,950,076       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing December 16, 2012
        1,962,874    
            Bumble Bee Foods, LLC   Ba3   B+        
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing May 02, 2012
        1,800,000    
            Commonwealth Brands, Inc.   B1   B+        
  11,058,294       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing December 22, 2012
        11,123,261    
            Gate Gourmet Borrower LLC   B2   B        
  254,521       Revolver, 8.114%,
maturing March 09, 2012
        250,703    
  638,420       Term Loan, 8.095%,
maturing March 09, 2012
        646,401    
            Golden State Foods   B1   B+        
  4,376,250       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing February 28, 2011
        4,387,191    
            Iglo Birds Eye   NR   NR        
EUR 51,247       Term Loan, 5.982%,
maturing November 30, 2014
          68,817    
EUR 978,754       Term Loan, 6.085%,
maturing November 30, 2014
          1,274,048    
EUR 51,247       Term Loan, 6.357%,
maturing November 30, 2015
          69,110    
EUR 978,754       Term Loan, 6.460%,
maturing November 30, 2015
          1,277,294    
            Michael Foods   Ba3   B+        
$ 4,679,744       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing November 21, 2010
          4,704,116    
            Nutro Products, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  2,504,247       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing April 26, 2013
        2,517,552    
            Pierre Foods   Ba3   B+        
  4,950,101       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing June 30, 2010
        4,984,133    
            Reynolds American   Baa2   BBB-        
  9,950,000       Term Loan, 7.260%,
maturing May 31, 2012
        10,041,729    
            Sturm Foods, Inc.   B1   B        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing January 31, 2014
        3,015,939    
            United Biscuits   NR   NR        
EUR 775,940       Term Loan, 6.395%,
maturing December 31, 2014
          1,028,862    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
30



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Beverage, Food & Tobacco: (continued)      
GBP 1,000,000       Term Loan, 8.228%,
maturing December 31, 2014
      $ 1,996,091    
      79,369,553    
Buildings & Real Estate: 2.5%      
            Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
$ 1,745,625       Term Loan, 7.070%, maturing
October 02, 2013
          1,753,262    
            Atrium Companies, Inc.   B1   B        
  754,468       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing May 31, 2012
        749,596    
            Capital Automotive L.P.   Ba1   BB+        
  16,744,732       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing December 16, 2010
        16,927,886    
            CB Richard Ellis   Ba1   BB+        
  1,850,000       Term Loan, 6.850%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        1,859,085    
            Champion Home Builders Co.   B1   B+        
  1,625,000       Revolver, 5.264%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        1,618,906    
  1,242,500       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        1,239,394    
            Contech Construction Products Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  2,724,028       Term Loan, 7.330%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        2,748,716    
            Custom Building Products, Inc.   B1   B+        
  4,939,522       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing October 29, 2011
        4,954,958    
            Headwaters Incorporated   Ba3   BB-        
  3,547,856       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing April 30, 2011
        3,565,595    
            Hearthstone Housing Partners II, LLC   NR   NR        
  5,338,235       Revolver, 5.950%,
maturing December 01, 2007
        5,324,890    
            John Maneely Company   B3   B+        
  6,449,416       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing December 08, 2013
        6,534,065    
            Nortek, Inc.   Ba2   B        
  3,489,171       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing August 27, 2011
        3,513,159    
            Shea Capital I, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  997,500       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing October 27, 2011
        997,500    
            Stile US Acquisition Corp   Ba3   BB-        
  50       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing April 05, 2013
        50    
            Tishman Speyer   Ba2   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing February 01, 2012
        2,018,334    
      53,805,396    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
31



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Cargo Transport: 0.8%      
          Baker Tanks, Inc.   B2   B        
$ 3,456,250       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing November 22, 2012
      $ 3,484,332    
            Gainey Corporation   B2   BB-        
  1,194,000       Term Loan, 8.160%,
maturing April 20, 2012
        1,197,731    
            Greatwide Logistics Services, Inc.   B1   B-        
  3,250,000       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing December 19, 2013
        3,275,730    
            Helm Holding Corporation   B2   B+        
  979,000       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing July 08, 2011
        982,060    
            Horizon Lines, LLC   Ba2   B        
  2,188,139       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing July 07, 2011
        2,203,868    
            Kenan Advantage Group, Inc.   B3   B+        
  990,003       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing December 16, 2011
        997,428    
            Neoplan USA Corporation   NR   NR        
  497,738       (2 )   Term Loan, 11.008%,
maturing June 30, 2006
        418,100    
            Pacer International, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  809,804       Term Loan, 6.920%,
maturing June 10, 2010
        807,780    
            TNT Logistics   B1   B        
  1,927,881       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing November 04, 2013
        1,942,340    
  723,070       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 04, 2013
        732,259    
            US Shipping Partners L.P.   B1   B+        
  335,274       Term Loan, 4.580%,
maturing March 31, 2012
        340,093    
  1,990,000       Term Loan, 8.864%,
maturing March 31, 2012
        2,018,606    
      18,400,327    
Cellular: 1.5%      
            Centennial Communications Corp   Ba2   B        
  15,581,024       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing February 09, 2011
        15,743,332    
            Cricket Communications, Inc.   B1   B        
  5,970,000       Term Loan, 8.114%,
maturing June 16, 2013
        6,052,088    
            NTELOS Inc.   B2   B        
  4,410,157       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing August 24, 2011
        4,442,131    
            Rogers Wireless   Ba1   BB+        
  2,500,000       Floating Rate Note, 8.485%,
maturing December 15, 2010
        2,550,000    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
32



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Cellular: (continued)      
            Telepak, Inc./Cellular South   Ba3   B+        
$ 3,049,214       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing May 04, 2011
      $ 3,064,460    
      31,852,011    
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: 7.5%      
            Basell   Ba3   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing September 07, 2013
        1,518,047    
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 8.345%,
maturing September 07, 2014
        1,518,047    
            Brenntag Holding GmbH & Co. KG   B2   B        
EUR 500,000       Term Loan, 6.633%,
maturing January 17, 2014
          669,867    
$ 7,200,000       Term Loan, 7.887%,
maturing January 17, 2014
          7,279,877    
GBP 1,000,000       Term Loan, 8.182%,
maturing September 21, 2014
          1,987,562    
            Celanese   Ba3   BB-        
$ 6,500,000       Term Loan, 5.320%,
maturing April 06, 2009
          6,582,602    
  14,689,986       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing April 06, 2011
        14,822,607    
            Flint Group   NR   NR        
  936,821       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing December 31, 2012
        945,101    
  353,279       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        356,402    
  1,290,100       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        1,307,263    
            Georgia Gulf Co   Ba2   BB        
  1,620,938       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing October 03, 2013
        1,638,594    
            Hawkeye Renewables, LLC   B3   NR        
  3,731,250       Term Loan, 9.360%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        3,626,309    
            Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,782,000       Term Loan, 7.222%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        1,799,374    
  8,092,565       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        8,171,467    
  997,500       Term Loan, 7.875%, maturing May 05, 2013         1,007,226    
  1,757,935       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        1,775,075    
            Huntsman International LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  22,776,617       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing August 16, 2012
        22,943,183    
            Ineos US Finance LLC   Ba3   B+        
  3,780,000       Term Loan, 7.611%,
maturing December 16, 2012
        3,807,405    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
33



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: (continued)      
$ 4,455,000       Term Loan, 7.611%,
maturing December 16, 2013
      $ 4,516,720    
EUR 841,288       Term Loan, 6.032%,
maturing December 23, 2013
          1,128,145    
EUR 841,288       Term Loan, 6.652%,
maturing December 23, 2013
          1,128,145    
$ 4,455,000       Term Loan, 8.111%,
maturing December 23, 2014
          4,516,720    
EUR 148,712       Term Loan, 8.282%,
maturing December 23, 2014
          199,419    
EUR 148,712       Term Loan, 6.532%,
maturing December 23, 2015
          199,419    
            Innophos, Inc.   Ba1   B+        
$ 2,374,173       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing August 13, 2010
          2,390,495    
            Invista   Ba1   BB        
  11,152,662       Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing April 29, 2011
        11,215,395    
            ISP Chemco Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  4,962,500       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing February 16, 2013
        5,019,658    
            JohnsonDiversey, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  508,666       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing December 16, 2010
        513,912    
  3,749,855       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing December 16, 2011
        3,793,800    
            Kraton Polymers LLC   Ba3   B+        
  2,679,750       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing May 12, 2013
        2,705,711    
            Lucite International Us Finco Limited   B1   B+        
EUR 675,845       Term Loan, 4.700%,
maturing July 07, 2013
          904,521    
$ 708,273       Term Loan, 8.070%,
maturing July 07, 2013
          716,684    
            Lyondell Chemical Company   Ba2   BB        
  3,482,500       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing August 16, 2013
        3,511,279    
            Nalco Company   Ba2   BB-          
  13,245,794       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing November 04, 2010
        13,356,370    
            Northeast Biofuels, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,268,293       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing June 30, 2013
        1,266,708    
            Polypore Incorporated   Ba3   B        
  6,069,370       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing November 12, 2011
        6,099,716    
            PQ Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  2,456,250       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing February 10, 2012
        2,473,648    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
34



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber: (continued)      
            Ripplewood Phosphorus LLC   Ba3   B        
$ 3,216,076       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing July 20, 2011
      $ 3,220,096    
            Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  9,795,647       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing December 13, 2013
        9,891,155    
            Vertellus Specialties Inc.   B3   B+        
  2,363,125       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        2,383,802    
      162,907,526    
Containers, Packaging & Glass: 2.8%      
            Bluegrass Container Company   Ba3   BB-        
  1,197,769       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing June 30, 2013
        1,214,862    
            Boise Cascade, L.L.C.   Ba2   BB        
  4,166,952       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing October 29, 2011
        4,202,113    
            Graham Packaging Company   B1   B        
  20,099,382       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing October 07, 2011
        20,347,026    
  1,240,506       Term Loan, 7.690%,
maturing October 07, 2011
        1,255,791    
            Graphic Packaging International, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  14,121,393       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing August 08, 2010
        14,317,765    
            Owens-Illinois   Ba2   BB-        
EUR 2,199,375       Term Loan, 5.114%,
maturing April 01, 2008
        2,898,548    
            Pro Mach, Inc   B1   B        
$ 2,481,250       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing December 01, 2011
        2,499,859    
            Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation   Ba1   B+        
  8,334,672       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing November 01, 2011
        8,425,120    
            Xerium Technologies, Inc.   B2   B+        
  5,632,125       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing May 18, 2012
        5,639,165    
      60,800,249    
Data and Internet Services: 3.7%      
            Activant Solutions, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,327,244       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing May 02, 2013
        2,333,062    
            Acxiom Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  1,995,000       Term Loan, 7.080%,
maturing September 15, 2012
        2,013,081    
            Audatex   Ba3   B+        
EUR 1,492,500       Term Loan, 6.001%,
maturing April 13, 2013
        1,989,271    
$ 2,985,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing April 13, 2013
        3,016,716    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
35



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Data and Internet Services: (continued)      
            Carlson Wagonlit Holdings B.V.   Ba3   B+        
$ 2,750,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing August 03, 2012
      $ 2,759,023    
            IPayment, Inc.   B1   B        
  4,466,250       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing May 10, 2013
        4,494,164    
            Open Text Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,745,625       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing October 02, 2013
        1,759,808    
            Reynolds & Reynolds Company   B3   B        
  2,375,000       Term Loan, 10.845%,
maturing October 26, 2013
        2,449,962    
            Reynolds & Reynolds Company   Ba2   BB-        
  11,972,500       Term Loan, 7.845%,
maturing October 26, 2012
        12,111,465    
            Sitel, LLC   B2   B+        
  4,500,000       Term Loan, 7.910%,
maturing January 29, 2014
        4,533,750    
            Sungard Data Systems Inc   Ba3   B+        
  29,969,087       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing February 11, 2013
        30,306,240    
            Transfirst Holdings, Inc.   B1   B+        
  870,625       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing August 15, 2012
        879,331    
            Travelport, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,492,031       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing August 23, 2013
          3,530,663    
            Verifone, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,250,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing October 31, 2013
        2,258,438    
            Worldspan, L.P.   B3   CCC+        
  1,700,000       Term Loan, 12.360%,
maturing December 21, 2013
        1,721,250    
            Worldspan, L.P.   Ba3   B        
  4,500,000       Term Loan, 8.603%,
maturing December 21, 2013
        4,533,188    
      80,689,412    
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: 3.2%      
            Aearo Technologies, Inc   B1   B        
  2,382,000       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing March 24, 2013
        2,404,827    
            Aearo Technologies, Inc   Caa1   CCC+        
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 11.864%,
maturing September 24, 2013
        1,834,313    
            Axia Incorporated   B2   B        
  2,475,000       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing December 21, 2012
        2,413,125    
            Baldor Electric Company   Ba3   BB        
  2,850,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing
March 31, 2014
        2,878,856    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
36



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: (continued)      
            Brand Services, Inc.   B1   B        
$ 1,600,000       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing February 07, 2014
      $ 1,613,333    
            Brand Services, Inc.   Caa1   CCC+        
  1,600,000       Term Loan, 11.375%,
maturing February 07, 2014
        1,622,000    
            Chart Industries, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.432%,
maturing October 17, 2012
        2,011,250    
            Cinram International, Inc   B1   BB-        
  5,454,413       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing May 05, 2011
        5,440,209    
            Dayco Products LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  497,500       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing June 21, 2011
        502,061    
            Dresser, Inc.   B1   B        
  1,923,567       Term Loan, 8.125%,
maturing October 31, 2013
        1,945,607    
            Dresser-Rand Group Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  82,436       Term Loan, 7.345%,
maturing October 29, 2011
        83,106    
            Generac Power Systems, Inc.   B1   B        
  4,455,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 09, 2013
        4,474,491    
            Generac Power Systems, Inc.   Caa1   CCC+        
  500,000       Term Loan, 11.360%,
maturing May 09, 2014
        500,000    
            Gentek Holding Corporation   B1   B+        
  2,330,352       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing February 28, 2011
        2,337,998    
            Goodman Global Holdings, Inc   Ba2   B+        
  2,217,857       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing December 23, 2011
        2,227,099    
            Mueller Group, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  10,556,491       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing October 03, 2012
        10,673,056    
            Norcross Safety Products LLC   Ba1   BB-        
  3,805,323       Term Loan, 7.410%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        3,820,784    
            Prysmian S.R.L   NR   NR        
GBP 1,088,216       Term Loan, 7.487%,
maturing August 31, 2013
          2,144,668    
GBP 272,054       Term Loan, 7.987%,
maturing August 31, 2015
          539,466    
            Rexnord Corporation / RBS Global, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
$ 1,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing
July 19, 2013
          1,010,000    
  2,297,131       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing July 19, 2013
        2,320,102    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
37



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Manufacturing: (continued)      
            Sensata Technologies   B1   BB-        
EUR 1,990,000       Term Loan, 5.770%,
maturing April 27, 2013
      $ 2,648,053    
$ 7,263,500       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing April 27, 2013
          7,283,932    
            Sensus Metering Systems Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  327,472       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing December 17, 2010
        329,314    
  2,465,353       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing December 17, 2010
        2,479,221    
            Springs Window Fashions   Ba3   B+        
  990,000       Term Loan, 8.125%,
maturing December 31, 2012
        999,900    
            Textron Fastening Systems   B2   B+        
  498,750       Term Loan, 8.921%,
maturing August 11, 2013
        502,491    
            Walter Industries, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  1,582,242       Term Loan, 7.100%,
maturing October 03, 2012
        1,592,329    
      68,631,591    
Diversified / Conglomerate Service: 2.1%      
            Affinion Group   Ba2   B+        
  3,511,628       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 17, 2012
        3,549,378    
            AlixPartners LLP   B1   BB-        
  2,675,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 12, 2013
        2,699,244    
            Brickman Group   Ba3   BB-        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 7.399%,
maturing January 23, 2014
        2,514,063    
            Brock Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  500,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing
February 23, 2014
        505,703    
            CCC Information Services Group, Inc.   B1   B        
  990,741       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing February 10, 2013
        995,694    
            Intergraph Corporation   B1   B        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing May 28, 2014
        1,008,438    
            Iron Mountain Incorporated   Ba2   BB-        
  3,873,148       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing April 02, 2011
        3,884,446    
  3,138,598       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing April 02, 2011
        3,151,021    
            Mitchell International, Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,121,565       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing August 15, 2011
        1,127,173    
            Valleycrest Companies, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,246,875       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing October 04, 2013
        1,260,123    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
38



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Diversified / Conglomerate Service: (continued)      
            Vertafore, Inc.   B1   B+        
$ 979,009       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 31, 2012
      $ 985,434    
  552,638       Term Loan, 7.830%,
maturing January 31, 2012
        556,265    
            West Corp   Ba3   B+        
  23,750,000       Term Loan, 7.750%,
maturing October 24, 2013
        23,980,898    
      46,217,880    
Diversified Nat'l Rsrcs, Precious Metals & Minerals: 2.2%      
            Georgia Pacific Corporation   Ba2   BB-        
  48,114,000       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing December 20, 2012
        48,612,702    
      48,612,702    
Ecological: 0.6%      
            Allied Waste North America, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  3,158,897       Revolver, 7.063%,
maturing January 15, 2012
        3,185,220    
  6,473,994       Term Loan, 7.150%,
maturing January 15, 2012
        6,524,439    
            IESI Corporation   Ba3   BB        
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing January 21, 2012
        1,806,750    
            Wastequip, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,564,834       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing February 05, 2013
        1,580,482    
      13,096,891    
Electronics: 2.2%      
            Advance Micro Devices   Ba3   BB-        
  17,951,503       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        18,141,214    
            Decision One   NR   NR        
  421,454       Term Loan, 12.000%,
maturing April 15, 2010
        421,454    
            Eastman Kodak   Ba3   B+        
  5,607,922       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing October 18, 2012
        5,630,118    
  3,152,707       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing October 18, 2012
        3,163,051    
            Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.   Baa3   BB        
  6,000,000       Term Loan, 7.369%,
maturing December 01, 2013
        6,055,314    
            NXP   Ba2   BB+        
  1,750,000       Floating Rate Note, 8.110%,
maturing October 15, 2013
        1,789,375    
EUR 1,500,000       Floating Rate Note, 6.507%,
maturing October 15, 2013
        2,024,349    
            ON Semiconductor   Ba3   B+        
$ 3,067,410       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing December 15, 2011
        3,078,912    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
39



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Electronics: (continued)      
            PGS, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
$ 1,300,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing December 14, 2013       $ 1,317,875    
            Sanmina   Ba3   B+        
  1,750,000       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing January 31, 2008
        1,759,406    
            Serena Software Inc.   B1   B        
  2,940,143       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing March 11, 2013
        2,973,220    
            SI International, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  2,294,920       Term Loan, 7.350%,
maturing February 09, 2011
        2,297,788    
      48,652,076    
Farming & Agriculture: 0.0%      
            The Mosaic Company   Ba1   BB        
  725,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing February 12, 2012
        732,703    
      732,703    
Finance: 1.1%      
            LPL Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  7,443,750       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing June 28, 2013
        7,557,736    
            Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., The   Ba3   BB+        
  6,345,073       Term Loan, 7.100%,
maturing April 18, 2012
        6,384,399    
            Rent-A-Center, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  2,618,421       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        2,628,240    
            Riskmetrics   Ba3   B+        
  1,800,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing January 11, 2014
        1,820,250    
            TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation   Ba1   BB        
  4,437,592       Term Loan, 6.820%,
maturing December 31, 2012
        4,461,400    
      22,852,025    
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV, Radio and Equipment: 2.1%      
            Casema Bidco   NR   NR        
EUR 548,444       Term Loan, 6.173%,
maturing November 14, 2014
          735,549    
EUR 284,889         Term Loan, 6.173%,
maturing November 14, 2014
          380,447    
EUR 583,333       Term Loan, 6.232%,
maturing November 14, 2014
          782,341    
EUR 833,333       Term Loan, 6.673%,
maturing November 14, 2015
          1,117,673    
EUR 583,333       Term Loan, 6.732%,
maturing November 14, 2015
          785,370    
            ENO France   NR   NR        
EUR 2,519,315       Term Loan, 6.026%,
maturing July 30, 2013
          3,329,609    
EUR 2,480,685       Term Loan, 6.106%,
maturing July 30, 2013
          3,278,555    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
40



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Foreign Cable, Foreign TV, Radio and Equipment: (continued)      
            NTL Investment Holdings Limited   Ba3   BB-        
GBP 8,750,000       Term Loan, 7.447%,
maturing September 03, 2012
      $ 17,231,438    
            P7S1 Holding II S.A.R.L.   NR   B+        
EUR 5,000,000       Term Loan, 7.593%,
maturing July 17, 2011
          6,628,599    
            TDF SA   NR   NR        
EUR 1,500,000       Term Loan, 6.085%,
maturing January 31, 2015
          2,012,639    
EUR 1,500,000       Term Loan, 6.585%,
maturing January 31, 2016
          2,021,748    
            UPC Financing Partnership   B1   B        
EUR 2,915,000       Term Loan, 6.103%,
maturing March 31, 2013
          3,880,689    
EUR 3,300,000       Term Loan, 6.103%,
maturing December 31, 2013
          4,393,473    
      46,578,630    
Gaming: 2.8%      
            CCM Merger, Inc.   Ba3   B        
$ 3,603,897       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing July 13, 2012
          3,638,246    
            Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing August 08, 2014
        1,012,708    
            Green Valley Ranch Gaming, LLC   Caa1   CCC+        
  500,000       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing August 08, 2014
        509,938    
            Greenwood Racing, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,500,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing November 28, 2011
        1,515,000    
            Herbst Gaming, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,666,667       Term Loan, 7.240%,
maturing December 02, 2011
        1,681,597    
            Isle Of Capri Casinos, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  985,000       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing February 04, 2011
        993,742    
  1,470,000       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing February 04, 2011
        1,483,046    
            Mississippi Band Of Choctaw Indians   Ba2   BB        
  1,936,957       Term Loan, 7.122%,
maturing November 14, 2011
        1,944,220    
            Penn National Gaming, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  13,331,250       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing October 03, 2012
        13,447,898    
            Ruffin Gaming, LLC   NR   NR        
  1,485,376       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing June 28, 2008
        1,494,660    
            Tropicana Entertainment - Landco   B2   B+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing July 03, 2008
        3,024,687    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
41



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Gaming: (continued)      
            Tropicana Entertainment - Opco   Ba3   B+        
$ 9,000,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing January 03, 2012
      $ 9,113,121    
            Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings, L.P.   Ba3   BB-        
  1,723,750       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing May 20, 2012
        1,740,988    
            Venetian Casino Resort, LLC   Ba2   BB-        
  11,000,000       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing June 15, 2011
        11,097,834    
            VML US FINANCE LLC   B1   BB-        
  5,800,000       Term Loan, 8.120%,
maturing May 26, 2013
        5,871,415    
            Yonkers Racing Corporation   B3   B        
  748,952       Term Loan, 8.870%,
maturing August 12, 2011
        757,846    
  1,251,048       Term Loan, 8.875%,
maturing August 12, 2011
        1,265,904    
      60,592,850    
Grocery: 0.4%      
            Roundys Supermarkets, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  4,435,000       Term Loan, 8.090%,
maturing November 03, 2011
        4,477,133    
            Supervalu   Ba3   BB-        
  3,970,000       Term Loan, 7.100%,
maturing June 02, 2012
        3,996,234    
      8,473,367    
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: 9.7%      
            Accellent, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,970,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        2,969,382    
            AGA Medical Corporation   B1   B+        
  4,122,471       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing April 28, 2013
        4,135,354    
            Ameripath, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  3,970,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        3,977,444    
            Amn Healthcare, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  730,978       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing November 02, 2011
        733,262    
            Capella Healthcare, Inc.   B2   B        
  4,950,000       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing November 30, 2012
        4,999,500    
            CCS Medical   B3   B        
  4,455,000       Term Loan, 8.620%,
maturing September 30, 2012
        4,429,544    
            CHG Medical Staffing, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,600,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 05, 2012
        1,619,000    
  400,000       Term Loan, 7.845%,
maturing January 05, 2012
        404,750    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
42



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
            CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
$ 21,004,684       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing August 19, 2011
      $ 21,142,538    
            Compsych Investments Corp.   NR   NR        
  1,469,943       Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing April 20, 2012
        1,480,968    
            Concentra Operating Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  6,199,638       Term Loan, 7.380%,
maturing September 30, 2011
        6,228,701    
            CRC Health Corporation   Ba3   B        
  1,488,769       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing February 06, 2013
        1,505,983    
  1,835,040       Term Loan, 7.864%,
maturing February 06, 2013
        1,856,259    
            DJ Orthopedics, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  1,067,406       Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing April 07, 2013
        1,069,074    
            Education Management Corporation   B2   B        
  5,970,000       Term Loan, 7.375%,
maturing June 03, 2013
        6,027,461    
            Emdeon Business Services LLC   B1   B+        
  2,980,132       Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing November 16, 2013
        2,995,653    
            EMSC L.P.   Ba2   B+        
  3,235,316       Term Loan, 7.380%,
maturing February 10, 2012
        3,251,493    
            Encore Medical Ihc, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,745,625       Term Loan, 7.880%,
maturing November 03, 2013
        1,753,262    
            Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  1,848,250       Term Loan, 6.740%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        1,851,331    
            Gambro   NR   NR        
SEK 5,000,000       Term Loan, 5.833%,
maturing March 15, 2007
          721,893    
SEK 5,000,000       Term Loan, 6.333%,
maturing March 15, 2007
          725,017    
$ 750,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing June 05, 2014
          758,438    
  750,000       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing June 05, 2015
        761,719    
            Gentiva Health Services, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,675,676       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        3,690,610    
            Golden Gate National Senior
Care Holdings, LLC
  Ba3   B+        
  1,786,500       Term Loan, 8.114%,
maturing March 14, 2011
        1,799,527    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
43



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
            Harrington Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
$ 2,333,333       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing December 31, 2013
      $ 2,353,750    
            HCA, Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  22,000,000       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing November 17, 2013
        22,287,826    
            Health Management Associates, Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  9,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing March 01, 2014         9,081,090    
            Healthsouth Corporation   B2   B+        
  4,323,727       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing March 10, 2013
        4,369,420    
            Iasis Healthcare LLC   Ba2   B+        
  9,201,044       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2011
        9,304,556    
            Lifepoint Hospitals, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  11,249,887       Term Loan, 6.985%,
maturing April 15, 2012
        11,260,789    
            Multiplan, Inc.   B2   B+        
  2,162,824       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing April 12, 2013
        2,183,777    
            National Mentor, Inc.   B1   B        
  76,667       Revolver, 7.969%,
maturing June 29, 2013
        77,098    
  1,250,383       Term Loan, 7.867%,
maturing June 29, 2013
        1,257,417    
            National Renal Institutes, Inc.   NR   B+        
  1,990,000       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        1,997,463    
            Nycomed   NR   NR        
EUR 2,444,238       Term Loan, 6.195%,
maturing December 10, 2014
        3,238,198    
EUR 2,552,762       Term Loan, 6.695%,
maturing December 10, 2014
        3,385,950    
            Orthofix International/Colgate Medical   Ba3   BB-        
$ 1,910,152       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing September 22, 2013
        1,923,284    
            Quintiles Transnational Corp.   B1   BB-        
  5,309,875       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        5,327,297    
            Radiation Therapy Services, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  3,891,997       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing December 16, 2012
        3,893,215    
            Radnet Management Inc.   B1   B        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.850%,
maturing November 15, 2012
        2,010,000    
            Renal Advantage Inc.   NR   B+        
  6,014,125       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 06, 2012
        6,081,784    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
44



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Healthcare, Education and Childcare: (continued)      
            Rural/Metro Operating Company, LLC   Ba2   B        
$ 519,127         Revolver, 5.170%,
maturing March 04, 2011
      $ 523,345    
  1,176,469       Term Loan, 7.780%,
maturing March 04, 2011
        1,186,028    
            Select Medical Corporation   Ba1   B+        
  2,456,250       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing February 24, 2012
        2,454,784    
            Sheridan Healthcare, Inc.   B2   B+        
  1,496,250       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing November 09, 2011
        1,512,148    
            Sterigenics International, Inc.   B2   B+        
  2,493,750       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 21, 2013
        2,502,324    
            Stiefel Laboratories, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,625,201       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 28, 2013
        1,644,500    
  2,124,799       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing December 28, 2013
        2,150,031    
            Team Health, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,750,932       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 23, 2012
        2,773,856    
            Vanguard Health Holdings Company II, LLC   Ba3   B        
  14,062,380       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing September 23, 2011
        14,214,717    
            VWR International Inc.   Ba2   B+        
  3,616,101       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing April 07, 2011
        3,645,482    
            Warner Chilcott Holdings Company III,
Limited
  B1   B+        
  4,842,742       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing January 18, 2012
        4,880,361    
  1,329,574       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing January 18, 2012
        1,339,902    
  829,864       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing January 18, 2012
        834,532    
      210,583,087    
Home & Office Furnishings: 1.0%      
            Buhrmann US Inc.   Ba3   BB        
  9,330,750       Term Loan, 7.109%,
maturing December 23, 2010
        9,377,404    
            National Bedding Company   B1   BB-        
  4,191,187       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing August 31, 2011
        4,210,572    
            Simmons Company   Ba2   B+        
  7,217,057       Term Loan, 7.410%,
maturing December 19, 2011
        7,275,695    
      20,863,671    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
45



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Insurance: 0.7%      
            Applied Systems Inc.   B1   B-        
$ 1,995,000       Term Loan, 8.170%,
maturing September 26, 2013
      $ 2,006,846    
            Concord RE   Ba2   BB+        
  875,000       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing February 29, 2012
        884,844    
            Conseco, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  6,483,750       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing October 10, 2013
        6,526,303    
            Crawford & Company   B1   BB-        
  3,087,113       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing October 30, 2013
        3,104,478    
            Swett & Crawford   B1   B+        
  2,481,250       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 16, 2011
        2,518,469    
      15,040,940    
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: 5.1%      
            24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc   Ba3   B        
  4,218,125       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing June 08, 2012
        4,255,911    
            AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.   Ba2   B        
  525,477       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing August 27, 2009
        529,089    
            Cedar Fair, L.P.   Ba3   BB-        
  7,957,506       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing August 30, 2012
        8,050,012    
            Cinemark USA, Inc.   Ba2   B        
  3,740,625       Term Loan, 7.390%,
maturing October 05, 2013
        3,778,031    
            Easton-Bell Sports, Inc   Ba3   B+        
  988,750       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing March 16, 2012
        993,899    
            Hallmark Entertainment, LLC   B1   B        
  2,250,000       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing December 31, 2011
        2,266,875    
            HIT Entertainment, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  5,837,816       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing March 20, 2012
        5,883,427    
            Kerasotes Showplace Theater LLC   B1   B-        
  225,000       Revolver, 1.935%,
maturing October 31, 2010
        223,875    
            Lodgenet Entertainment Corporation   Ba1   B+        
  2,388,951       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing August 29, 2008
        2,394,923    
            London Arena & Waterfront Finance LLC   Ba3   B        
  1,191,000       Term Loan, 7.853%,
maturing March 08, 2012
        1,202,166    
            Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc   Ba3   B+        
  17,394,000       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing April 08, 2011
        17,507,235    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
46



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Leisure, Amusement, Entertainment: (continued)      
$ 33,248,750       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing April 08, 2012
      $ 33,581,238    
            National CineMedia, LLC   B1   B+        
  1,800,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 12, 2015         1,816,688    
            NEP II, INC   B1   B        
  3,500,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing May 02, 2014
        3,541,017    
            Panavision, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  992,502       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing March 30, 2011
        1,001,186    
            Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc.   Ba3   B-        
  2,683,835       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing June 30, 2009
        2,718,851    
            Universal City Development Partners   Ba1   BB-        
  4,627,273       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing June 09, 2011
        4,673,545    
            Warner Music Group   Ba2   BB-        
  16,113,198       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing February 28, 2011
        16,213,905    
      110,631,873    
Lodging: 1.1%      
            Hotel Del Coronado   NR   NR        
  24,600,000       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing January 09, 2008
        24,600,000    
      24,600,000    
Machinery: 0.8%      
            Alliance Laundry Systems LLC   Ba3   B        
  5,087,660       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing January 27, 2012
        5,135,356    
            Enersys Capital Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  3,243,105       Term Loan, 7.111%,
maturing March 17, 2011
        3,263,375    
            Maxim Crane Works, L.P.   B1   BB-        
  3,466,340       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing January 25, 2010
        3,472,840    
            NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc.   NR   NR        
  995,000       Term Loan, 7.362%,
maturing March 21, 2013
        1,002,463    
            United Rentals, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  4,813,938       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing February 14, 2011
        4,874,612    
  657,178       Term Loan, 7.572%,
maturing February 14, 2011
        665,461    
      18,414,107    
Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals: 0.9%      
            Alpha Natural Resources   B1   BB-        
  660,000       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 26, 2012
        663,300    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
47



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Mining, Steel, Iron & Nonprecious Metals: (continued)      
            Excel Mining Systems, Inc   B1   B-        
$ 2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing October 20, 2013
      $ 2,008,750    
            Longyear Holdings, Inc   B1   B-        
  4,719,422       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing October 06, 2012
        4,761,454    
  369,328       Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing October 06, 2012
        372,502    
            Novelis   Ba2   BB-        
  2,984,911       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing January 07, 2012
        2,994,505    
  5,184,320       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing January 07, 2012
        5,200,982    
            Oglebay Norton Company   B1   B+        
  1,534,286       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing July 31, 2011
        1,549,629    
            Tube City IMS Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  162,162       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing January 25, 2014
        163,716    
  1,337,838       Term Loan, 9.500%,
maturing January 25, 2014
        1,350,658    
      19,065,496    
North American Cable: 10.3%      
            Atlantic Broadband   B1   B        
  3,970,008       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing August 10, 2012
        4,024,595    
            Bragg Communications, Inc   B1   NR        
  6,362,184       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing August 31, 2011
        6,390,018    
            Bresnan Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
  6,750,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing September 29, 2013
        6,783,048    
            Cequel Communications II, LLC   NR   NR        
  7,150,000       Term Loan, 10.320%,
maturing October 30, 2007
        7,158,938    
            Cequel Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
  31,850,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing November 05, 2013
        32,205,828    
            Cequel Communications, LLC   Caa1   B-        
  975,000       Term Loan, 9.860%,
maturing May 05, 2014
        1,002,727    
            Charter Communications Operating, LLC   B1   B+        
  62,000,000       Term Loan, 7.985%,
maturing April 28, 2013
        62,515,406    
            CSC Holdings, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  34,340,500       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        34,550,836    
            Insight Midwest Holdings, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  14,500,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing April 06, 2014
        14,658,601    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
48



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
North American Cable: (continued)      
            Knology Inc   Ba3   NR        
$ 2,331,176       Term Loan, 7.840%,
maturing June 29, 2010
      $ 2,351,573    
            Mediacom Broadband LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  3,963,750       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing September 30, 2012
        3,941,042    
  15,642,000       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing January 31, 2015
        15,682,325    
            Mediacom LLC Group   Ba3   BB-        
  8,558,333       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing January 31, 2015
        8,588,895    
            Nextmedia Operating, Inc.   B1   B        
  6,788,161       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 15, 2012
        6,789,010    
            Patriot Media & Communications, LLC   B3   B-        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 10.360%,
maturing October 04, 2013
        1,015,000    
            Patriot Media & Communications, LLC   Ba3   B+        
  3,492,063       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing March 31, 2013
        3,517,528    
            Quebecor Media Inc   B1   B        
  3,960,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing January 17, 2013
        3,992,175    
            San Juan Cable LLC   B1   B+        
  3,962,493       Term Loan, 7.366%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        3,981,069    
            Wideopenwest Finance, LLC   B1   B        
  3,500,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing May 01, 2014
        3,534,272    
            Wideopenwest Finance, LLC   Caa1   CCC+        
  625,000       Term Loan, 10.369%,
maturing May 01, 2014
        640,625    
      223,323,511    
Oil & Gas: 6.2%      
            Alon USA   B1   BB-        
  1,990,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2013
        2,006,169    
            Coffeyville Resources LLC   B2   B+        
  1,203,165       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing December 28, 2010
        1,221,213    
  2,210,026       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing December 28, 2013
        2,243,177    
            CR Gas Storage   Ba3   BB-        
  657,958       Term Loan, 7.103%,
maturing May 12, 2011
        660,220    
  937,709       Term Loan, 7.100%,
maturing May 13, 2011
        940,932    
  981,990       Term Loan, 7.140%,
maturing May 12, 2013
        984,752    
  5,265,667       Term Loan, 7.150%,
maturing May 12, 2013
        5,280,480    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
49



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Oil & Gas: (continued)      
            El Paso Corporation   Ba3   B+        
$ 6,250,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing August 01, 2011
      $ 6,301,269    
            Energy Transfer Company, L.P.   Ba2   NR        
  13,750,000       Term Loan, 7.095%,
maturing February 08, 2012
        13,893,633    
            EPCO Holdings Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  18,892,735       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing August 18, 2010
        19,144,084    
            Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.   B1   BB        
  7,760,766       Term Loan, 7.330%,
maturing July 01, 2013
        7,812,733    
            IFM Holdco   Ba3   BBB-        
  500,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing
February 20, 2013
        506,250    
            J. Ray Mcdermott, S.A.   Ba3   B+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.764%,
maturing June 06, 2012
        3,030,000    
            Key Energy   NR   NR        
  4,455,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        4,491,197    
            Magellan Midstream Holdings LP   Ba3   BB-        
  2,064,310       Term Loan, 7.365%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        2,077,211    
            McJunkin Corporation   B2   B+        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 7.595%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        4,046,252    
            MEG Energy   Ba3   BB        
  4,168,500       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing April 03, 2013
        4,204,649    
            Opti Canada Inc.   Ba3   BB+        
  4,500,000       Term Loan, 7.355%,
maturing May 17, 2013
        4,531,873    
            Pine Prairie Energy Center   B1   B+        
  795,455       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing December 31, 2013
        803,409    
            Semcrude, L.P.   Ba2   NR        
  5,184,577       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing March 16, 2011
        5,236,423    
  3,601,001       Term Loan, 7.590%,
maturing March 16, 2011
        3,630,259    
            Targa Resources, Inc   B1   B+        
  16,252,403       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        16,402,234    
  5,275,758       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing October 31, 2012
        5,324,395    
            Venoco, Inc.   Caa1   B-        
  5,000,000       Term Loan, 9.875%,
maturing March 30, 2009
        5,062,500    
            Volnay Acquisition Co. I   Ba2   BB-        
  3,200,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing January 12, 2014
        3,233,002    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
50



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Oil & Gas: (continued)      
            Vulcan Energy Corporation   Ba2   BB        
$ 5,419,383       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing August 12, 2011
      $ 5,431,240    
            W&T Offshore, Inc.   B1   B+        
  5,100,000       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing May 26, 2010
        5,143,564    
      133,643,120    
Other Broadcasting and Entertainment: 0.8%      
            Deluxe, Inc   B1   B        
  2,649,322       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing January 28, 2011
        2,670,297    
            DirecTV Holdings LLC   Baa3   BB        
  5,934,560       Term Loan, 6.820%,
maturing April 13, 2013
        5,965,752    
            VNU   B1   B+        
  8,977,500       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing August 09, 2013
        9,075,454    
      17,711,503    
Other Telecommunications: 2.3%      
            Asurion Corporation   B1   B        
  6,797,607       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing July 13, 2012
        6,874,080    
            Asurion Corporation   B3   CCC+        
  500,000       Term Loan, 11.570%,
maturing January 13, 2013
        512,500    
            BCM Ireland Holdings Ltd   Ba3   B+        
EUR 2,083,333       Term Loan, 5.933%,
maturing September 30, 2014
          2,762,655    
EUR 2,083,333       Term Loan, 6.308%,
maturing September 30, 2015
          2,790,179    
            Cavalier Telephone   B2   B-        
$ 4,200,000       Term Loan, 10.120%,
maturing December 31, 2012
          4,265,625    
            Choice One Communications, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 9.375%,
maturing June 30, 2012
        3,043,125    
            Consolidated Communications   Ba3   BB-        
  2,440,381       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing October 14, 2011
        2,454,108    
            Fairpoint Communications, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing February 08, 2012
        2,512,890    
            Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc   Ba3   BB-        
  5,750,000       Term Loan, 7.115%,
maturing November 23, 2011
        5,797,915    
            Kentucky Data Link, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,833,333       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 16, 2014         2,858,125    
            PAETEC Holdings   B1   B        
  870,625       Term Loan, 8.875%,
maturing June 12, 2012
        883,902    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
51



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Other Telecommunications: (continued)      
            Qwest Communications Intl Inc   Ba3   BB+        
$ 11,000,000       Floating Rate Note, 8.860%,
maturing February 15, 2009
      $ 11,110,000    
            Time Warner Telecom Holdings, Inc   Ba2   B        
  3,220,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing January 07, 2013
        3,249,785    
            U.S. Telepacific Corp   B1   B-        
  997,500       Term Loan, 9.890%,
maturing August 04, 2011
        1,013,086    
            U.S. Telepacific Corp   NR   NR        
  500,000       Term Loan, 13.681%,
maturing August 04, 2012
        513,125    
      50,641,100    
Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products: 3.1%      
            Advantage Sales And Marketing   B2   B-        
  3,870,750       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        3,880,458    
            Bushnell Performance Optics   B1   B+        
  1,728,659       Term Loan, 8.364%,
maturing August 19, 2011
        1,740,903    
            Chattem, Inc.   Ba3   BB-        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 7.107%,
maturing January 02, 2013
        1,007,188    
            Fender Musical Instruments Corp.   B1   B+        
  1,467,907       Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing March 30, 2012
        1,489,925    
            Fender Musical Instruments Corp.   Caa1   B-        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 11.360%,
maturing September 30, 2012
        2,562,500    
            Hunter Fan Company   Ba3   B        
  2,470,000       Term Loan, 7.900%,
maturing March 24, 2012
        2,432,950    
            Jarden Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  1,196,428       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing January 24, 2012
        1,202,909    
  12,418,827       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing January 24, 2012
        12,490,620    
            Mega Bloks Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  985,000       Term Loan, 7.150%,
maturing July 26, 2012
        986,231    
            Natural Products Group, LLC   B1   B        
  922,078       Term Loan, 8.310%,
maturing June 19, 2013
        928,994    
  1,896,104       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing June 19, 2013
        1,910,325    
            Norwood Promotional Products   NR   NR        
  1,564,338       Revolver, 3.850%,
maturing December 31, 2008
        1,572,160    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
52



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Personal & Nondurable Consumer Products: (continued)  
$ 621,518       Term Loan, 11.625%,
maturing August 17, 2009
      $ 646,379    
  14,084,974       (2 )   Term Loan, 6.000%,
maturing August 17, 2011
        10,564,527    
        Norwood Promotional Products   NR   NR        
  948,750       Term Loan, 12.766%,
maturing February 15, 2008
        1,081,575    
        Rayovac Corporation   B1   CCC+        
  7,673,139       Term Loan, 8.600%,
maturing February 06, 2012
        7,761,518    
        Totes Isotoner Corporation   B2   B        
  416,667       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        420,183    
        Tupperware   Ba1   BB        
  10,880,678       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing December 05, 2012
        10,901,080    
        Yankee Candle Company, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing February 06, 2014
        4,045,000    
      67,625,425    
Personal, Food & Miscellaneous: 2.2%  
        Acosta, Inc.   B1   B-        
  4,477,500       Term Loan, 8.070%,
maturing July 28, 2013
        4,522,275    
        AFC Enterprises   B1   B+        
1,025,007   Term Loan, 7.375%,
    maturing May 11, 2011         1,032,695    
        Allied Security Holdings LLC   Ba3   B        
  495,455       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing June 30, 2010
        500,409    
        Arbys Restaurant Group, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  7,221,935       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing July 25, 2012
        7,299,420    
        Carrols Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  2,423,167       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing December 31, 2010
        2,437,556    
        CBRL   Ba2   BB        
  1,010,625       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing April 27, 2013
        1,014,794    
        Coinmach Corporation   B2   B        
  7,968,222       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing December 19, 2012
        8,046,661    
        Coinstar, Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
  2,430,381       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing July 07, 2011
        2,445,571    
        Culligan International Company   Ba2   BB-        
  1,989,582       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing September 30, 2011
        1,995,799    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
53



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Personal, Food & Miscellaneous: (continued)      
            Dennys, Inc   Ba2   B+        
$ 866,667       Term Loan, 7.627%,
maturing December 15, 2011
      $ 877,500    
  1,611,594       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing March 31, 2012
        1,631,739    
            Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation   NR   NR        
  750,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 15, 2014         759,141    
            MD Beauty, Inc.   B2   B        
  3,185,139       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing February 18, 2012
        3,203,055    
            N.E.W. Customer Services Companies, Inc.   B1   B+        
  1,756,098       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing August 18, 2013
        1,772,561    
            NPC International   Ba3   B+        
  1,250,000       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing May 03, 2013
        1,254,688    
            QCE, LLC (Quiznos)   B2   B        
  3,747,833       Term Loan, 7.625%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        3,769,436    
            Reddy Ice Group, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  3,000,000       Term Loan, 7.110%,
maturing August 09, 2012
        3,009,375    
            Sagittarius Brands, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,488,750       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        1,499,916    
            Sbarro, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  500,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 31, 2014
        505,625    
            U.S. Security Holdings, Inc.   B1   B        
  620,313       Term Loan, 7.890%,
maturing May 08, 2013
        626,516    
      48,204,732    
Printing & Publishing: 6.2%      
            American Achievement Corporation   Ba2   B+        
  1,220,169       Term Loan, 7.930%,
maturing March 25, 2011
        1,229,067    
            American Media Operations, Inc   B1   B-        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 8.370%,
maturing January 31, 2013
        4,031,668    
            American Reprographics   Ba2   BB        
  3,696,079       Term Loan, 7.109%,
maturing June 18, 2009
        3,699,546    
            Ascend Media Holdings, LLC   B3   B        
  1,556,575       Term Loan, 8.860%,
maturing January 31, 2012
        1,515,715    
            Black Press, Ltd.   Ba3   B+        
  1,995,000       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing August 02, 2013
        2,014,950    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
54



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Printing & Publishing: (continued)      
                Caribe Information Investments Inc.   B1   B        
$ 2,803,306           Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing March 31, 2013
      $ 2,817,323    
                Cenveo Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  1,492,500           Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing June 21, 2013
        1,496,231    
                Dex Media East, LLC   Ba1   BB        
  4,706,443           Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing May 08, 2009
        4,716,336    
                Dex Media West, LLC   Ba1   BB        
  502,240           Term Loan, 6.610%,
maturing September 09, 2009
        501,263    
  3,851,656           Term Loan, 6.859%,
maturing March 09, 2010
        3,863,693    
  6,312,851           Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing March 09, 2010
        6,332,579    
                Gatehouse Media, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,202,632           Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 06, 2013
        2,209,057    
                Hanley Wood, LLC   B2   B        
  2,729,355           Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing August 01, 2012
        2,737,296    
                Idearc, Inc.   Ba2   BB+        
  30,600,000           Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 17, 2014
        30,892,628    
                Intermedia Outdoor, Inc.   NR   NR        
  2,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing January 31, 2013         2,020,000    
                Jostens IH Corp   Ba2   B+        
  15,647,701           Term Loan, 7.372%,
maturing December 21, 2011
        15,742,245    
                Medianews Group   Ba2   BB-        
  995,000           Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing August 02, 2013
        999,353    
                Medimedia USA, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,246,875           Term Loan, 7.850%,
maturing October 05, 2013
        1,253,889    
                Merrill Communications, LLC   B1   B+        
  5,867,142           Term Loan, 7.590%,
maturing May 15, 2011
        5,899,229    
                PagesJaunes Groupe SA   NR   NR        
EUR 825,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014           1,113,351    
EUR 825,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014           1,107,895    
EUR 1,100,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 28, 2014           1,466,931    
                Primedia Inc.   B2   B        
$ 6,101,667           Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing September 30, 2013
          6,108,976    
                Prism Business Media Holdings   B1   B+        
  2,200,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 01, 2013         2,223,833    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
55



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Printing & Publishing: (continued)      
            R.H. Donnelley Corporation   Ba1   BB        
$ 1,828,680       Term Loan, 6.610%,
maturing December 31, 2009
      $ 1,825,579    
  10,573,229       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing June 30, 2011
        10,592,324    
  3,464,646       Term Loan, 6.870%,
maturing June 30, 2011
        3,467,401    
            Source Media Inc.   B1   B        
  3,821,711       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing November 08, 2011
        3,856,347    
            Thomas Nelson Publishers   B1   B        
  2,321,667       Term Loan, 7.590%,
maturing June 12, 2012
        2,330,373    
            Wenner Media LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  897,750       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 02, 2013
        903,922    
            Yell Group PLC   Ba3   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing February 10, 2013
        2,015,626    
EUR 2,000,000       Term Loan, 5.732%,
maturing February 27, 2013
          2,677,885    
            Ziff Davis Media, Inc.   Caa1   CCC        
$ 1,500,000         Floating Rate Note, 11.360%,
maturing May 01, 2012
          1,488,750    
      135,151,261    
Radio and TV Broadcasting: 2.2%      
            Block Communications, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  1,237,500       Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing December 22, 2011
        1,239,820    
            CMP KC, LLC   Caa1   CCC+        
  2,065,744       Term Loan, 9.375%,
maturing May 03, 2011
        2,081,237    
            CMP Susquehanna Corporation   Ba3   B-        
  7,482,429       Term Loan, 7.410%,
maturing May 05, 2013
        7,542,288    
            Cumulus Media Inc   Ba3   B        
  2,985,000       Term Loan, 7.330%,
maturing June 07, 2013
        3,008,453    
            Emmis Communication   B1   B        
  1,250,000       Term Loan, 7.320%,
maturing November 01, 2013
        1,261,111    
            Entravision Communications Corporation   Ba3   B+        
  3,940,000       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing March 29, 2013
        3,958,471    
            Gray Television, Inc   Ba1   B        
  1,485,000       Term Loan, 6.820%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        1,486,326    
            Montecito Broadcast Group, LLC   B1   B        
  1,980,000       Term Loan, 7.820%,
maturing January 27, 2013
        1,993,612    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
56



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Radio and TV Broadcasting: (continued)      
            Nexstar Broadcasting Group   Ba3   B        
$ 9,356,162       Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 01, 2012
      $ 9,357,621    
            Paxson Communications   B1   CCC+        
  6,500,000       Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing January 15, 2012
        6,658,438    
            Raycom TV Broadcasting, LLC   NR   NR        
  3,335,766       Term Loan, 6.875%,
maturing July 31, 2013
        3,339,936    
            Regent Communications   B1   B        
  2,250,000       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing November 21, 2013
        2,264,767    
            Spanish Broadcasting Systems   B1   B        
  4,420,019       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing July 11, 2012
        4,434,751    
      48,626,831    
Retail Stores: 4.7%      
            Amscan Holdings, Inc.   Ba3   B+        
  1,985,000       Term Loan, 8.385%,
maturing December 23, 2012
        2,006,091    
            Burlington Coat Factory   B2   B        
  7,860,000       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing May 28, 2013
        7,880,192    
            Dollarama Group L.P   Ba1   B+        
  5,390,516       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing November 18, 2011
        5,434,314    
            Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc.   B1   B+        
  8,467,294       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing July 15, 2010
        8,555,498    
            Jean Coutu Group Inc.   B1   BB-        
  4,087,285       Term Loan, 7.875%,
maturing July 30, 2011
        4,098,092    
            Mapco Express, Inc.   B2   B+        
  2,228,584       Term Loan, 8.100%,
maturing April 28, 2011
        2,248,084    
            Mattress Firm   B1   B        
  1,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 09, 2014         1,012,500    
            Michaels Stores, Inc.   B2   B-        
  12,697,344       Term Loan, 8.125%,
maturing October 31, 2013
        12,834,894    
            Nebraska Book Company, Inc   Ba2   B-        
  3,374,386       Term Loan, 7.880%,
maturing March 04, 2011
        3,399,693    
            Neiman Marcus Group, Inc   Ba3   B+        
  20,388,523       Term Loan, 7.600%,
maturing April 06, 2013
        20,646,560    
            Oriental Trading Company, Inc.   B1   B        
  2,487,500       Term Loan, 8.110%,
maturing July 31, 2013
        2,503,825    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
57



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Retail Stores: (continued)      
            Pep Boys   Ba3   B+        
$ 496,253       Term Loan, 7.360%,
maturing January 27, 2011
      $ 502,146    
            Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  5,125,000       Term Loan, 8.103%,
maturing October 26, 2013
        5,189,596    
            Phones 4U Group Limited   NR   NR        
GBP 2,500,000       Term Loan, 8.020%,
maturing September 22, 2014
          4,915,454    
GBP 2,500,000       Term Loan, 8.520%,
maturing September 22, 2015
          4,936,046    
            Sally Holding LLC   B2   B+        
$ 3,740,625       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing November 16, 2013
          3,785,565    
            Samsonite Corporation   Ba3   BB-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 7.620%,
maturing December 01, 2012
        2,025,312    
            Sports Authority   B2   B        
  2,985,000       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing May 03, 2013
        2,997,594    
            The Pantry, Inc.   Ba2   BB        
  3,960,000       Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing January 02, 2012
        3,977,325    
            Tire Rack, Inc. (The)   B1   BB-        
  851,604       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing June 24, 2012
        851,604    
            Toys "R" Us, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,375,000       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing July 19, 2006
        1,418,915    
      101,219,300    
Satellite: 0.5%      
            Intelsat (Bermuda), Ltd.   B2   B+        
  3,200,000       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing February 02, 2014
        3,222,285    
            Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Company, Ltd.   Ba2   BB+        
  2,930,156       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing July 07, 2013
        2,962,754    
            Panamsat Corporation   Ba2   BB        
  4,237,500       Term Loan, 7.860%,
maturing January 03, 2012
        4,285,464    
      10,470,503    
Telecommunications Equipment: 0.3%      
            Sorenson Communications, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  5,212,418       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing August 16, 2013
        5,256,943    
            Syniverse Technologies, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  1,223,786       Term Loan, 7.120%,
maturing February 15, 2012
        1,229,140    
      6,486,083    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
58



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Textiles & Leather: 0.7%      
            Hanesbrands Inc.   Ba2   BB-        
$ 2,315,179       Term Loan, 7.610%,
maturing September 05, 2013
      $ 2,339,055    
            Hanesbrands Inc.   B1   B-        
  1,000,000       Term Loan, 9.110%,
maturing March 05, 2014
        1,030,078    
            Polymer Group, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  6,435,000       Term Loan, 7.613%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        6,491,306    
            Propex Fabrics Inc.   Ba3   B        
  189,833       Term Loan, 8.360%,
maturing July 31, 2012
        190,545    
            St. John Knits International, Inc.   B1   B+        
  509,247       Term Loan, 8.375%,
maturing March 21, 2012
        511,793    
            Targus Group, Inc.   B3   CCC+        
  1,625,000       Term Loan, 13.870%,
maturing May 22, 2013
        1,524,791    
            Targus Group, Inc.   Ba3   B        
  1,963,646       Term Loan, 8.870%,
maturing November 22, 2012
        1,977,146    
            William Carter   Ba3   BB        
  2,103,291       Term Loan, 6.860%,
maturing July 14, 2012
        2,108,877    
      16,173,591    
Utilities: 6.2%      
            Astoria Generating Company
Acquisitions, LLC
  B1   BB-        
  3,201,997       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing February 23, 2013
        3,230,617    
            Babcock & Wilcox Company   Ba2   B+        
  2,500,000       Term Loan, 5.264%,
maturing January 22, 2012
        2,531,250    
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 8.320%,
maturing February 22, 2012
        2,025,000    
            Boston Generating, LLC   B1   B+        
  965,517       Revolver, 7.616%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        976,206    
  1,448,276       Term Loan, 5.241%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        1,464,310    
  3,836,207       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing December 20, 2013
        3,878,678    
            Boston Generating, LLC   B3   B-        
  750,000       Term Loan, 9.570%,
maturing December 22, 2013
        772,125    
            Coleto Creek WLE, LP   B1   B+        
  764,331       Term Loan, 8.014%,
maturing June 28, 2013
        767,834    
  5,333,865       Term Loan, 8.114%,
maturing June 28, 2013
        5,358,311    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
59



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Utilities: (continued)      
                HCP Acquisition Inc.   B1   B-        
$ 1,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 12, 2014       $ 1,012,500    
                HCP Acquisition Inc.   NR   CCC        
  2,000,000       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 12, 2015         2,050,000    
                Infrastrux Group, Inc.   B2   B+        
  5,137,125           Term Loan, 8.230%,
maturing November 03, 2012
        5,182,075    
                KGEN LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  937,500           Term Loan, 7.095%,
maturing January 30, 2014
        943,359    
  1,562,500           Term Loan, 7.125%,
maturing January 30, 2014
        1,572,266    
                La Paloma Generating Company, LLC   B1   BB-        
  437,158           Term Loan, 7.070%,
maturing August 16, 2012
        438,251    
  1,418,173           Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing August 16, 2012
        1,421,718    
                LSP - Kendall Energy, LLC   B1   B        
  13,324,989           Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing October 07, 2013
        13,308,333    
                LSP Gen Finance Co, LLC   B2   B        
  500,000           Term Loan, 8.864%,
maturing May 04, 2014
        508,750    
                LSP Gen Finance Co, LLC   Ba3   BB-        
  8,342,823           Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing May 04, 2013
        8,387,148    
  852,459           Term Loan, 7.114%,
maturing October 07, 2013
        856,988    
                MACH Gen, LLC.   B2   B        
  140,625       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 21, 2013         141,557    
  1,359,375       (3 )   Term Loan, maturing February 21, 2014         1,367,871    
                NE Energy, Inc.   B1   B+        
  2,700,000           Term Loan, 7.870%,
maturing November 01, 2013
        2,738,475    
                NE Energy, Inc.   B3   B-        
  425,000           Term Loan, 9.875%,
maturing May 01, 2014
        432,260    
                NRG Energy, Inc.   Ba1   BB-        
  7,924,731           Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing February 01, 2013
        8,008,171    
  26,418,357           Term Loan, 7.364%,
maturing February 01, 2013
        26,703,781    
                Plum Point Energy Associates   B1   B        
  4,241,604           Term Loan, 8.614%,
maturing March 14, 2014
        4,291,973    
  1,798,286           Term Loan, 8.989%,
maturing March 14, 2014
        1,819,640    
                Riverside Energy Center, LLC   B1   B        
  358,897           Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing June 24, 2010
        367,869    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
60



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

            Bank Loan
Ratings†
(Unaudited)
  Market  
Principal Amount       Borrower/Tranche Description   Moody's   S&P   Value  
Utilities: (continued)      
$ 7,300,642       Term Loan, 9.610%,
maturing June 24, 2011
      $ 7,483,158    
            Thermal North America, Inc.   B1   BB-        
  4,000,000       Term Loan, 8.120%,
maturing October 24, 2008
        4,045,000    
            TPF Generation Holdings, LLC   B3   B-        
  2,000,000       Term Loan, 9.620%,
maturing December 15, 2014
        2,047,500    
            TPF Generation Holdings, LLC   Ba3   B+        
  1,415,762       Revolver, 7.370%,
maturing December 15, 2011
        1,428,782    
  7,984,239       Term Loan, 7.370%,
maturing December 15, 2013
        8,057,662    
            Wolf Hollow I, L.P.   B1   BB-        
  850,000       Revolver, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2012
        837,250    
  3,400,000       Term Loan, 7.570%,
maturing June 22, 2012
        3,349,000    
  4,030,357       Term Loan, 7.614%,
maturing June 22, 2012
        3,969,882    
      133,775,550    
    Total Senior Loans
(Cost $2,349,402,279)
            2,373,504,684    
Other Corporate Debt: 0.2%      
Automobile: 0.2%      
            Avis Budget Car Rental   Ba3   BB-        
  750,000       Floating Rate Note, 7.860%,
maturing May 15, 2014
        772,500    
            Navistar International Corporation   NR   NR        
  3,300,000       Unsecured Term Loan, 8.610%,
maturing January 19, 2012
        3,362,288    
    Total Other Corporate Debt
(Cost $4,050,000)
            4,134,788    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
61



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS as of February 28, 2007 (continued)

Equities and Other Assets: 0.4%  
  Description  
  Market
Value
 
(@), (R)   Decision One Corporation (371,026 Common Shares)         $ 38,587    
(@), (R)   Neoplan USA Corporation (1,627 Common Shares)              
(@), (R)   Neoplan USA Corporation (170 Series B Preferred Shares)              
(@), (R)   Neoplan USA Corporation (102 Series C Preferred Shares)              
(@), (R)   Neoplan USA Corporation (331 Series D Preferred Shares)              
(@), (R)   Norwood Promotional Products, Inc. (80,087              
    Common Shares)              
(@), (R)   Safelite Glass Corporation (444,496 Common Shares)           8,943,259    
(@), (R)   Safelite Realty Corporation (30,003 Common Shares)           506,751    
    Total for Equities and Other Assets
(Cost $861,301)
            9,488,597    
    Total Investments
(Cost $2,354,313,580)**
    109.8 %   $ 2,387,128,069    
    Other Assets and Liabilities — Net     (9.8 )     (213,613,990 )  
    Net Assets     100.0 %   $ 2,173,514,079    

 

  *  Senior loans, while exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, contain certain restrictions on resale and cannot be sold publicly. These senior loans bear interest (unless otherwise noted) at rates that float periodically at a margin above the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other short-term rates.

  †  Bank Loans rated below Baa by considered to be below investment grade.

  NR  Not Rated

  (1)  The borrower filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Federal Bankruptcy code.

  (2)  Loan is on non-accrual basis, and is non-income producing.

  (3)  Trade pending settlement. Contract rates do not take effect until settlement date.

  (@)  Non-income producing security.

  (R)  Restricted security.

  **  For Federal Income Tax purposes cost of investments is $2,354,810,925.

    Net unrealized appreciation consists of the following:

Gross Unrealized Appreciation   $ 33,868,390    
Gross Unrealized Depreciation     (1,551,246 )  
Net Unrealized Appreciation   $ 32,317,144    

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
62



ING Senior Income Fund

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS As of February 28, 2007 (continued)

At February 28, 2007 the following forward foreign currency contracts were outstanding for ING Senior Income Fund :

 
Currency
 
Buy/Sell
  Settlement
Date
  In Exchange
For
  Unrealized
Value
  Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Euro           USD    
EUR 19,504,000   Sell   04/13/07   $ 25,722,511     $ 25,844,670     $ (122,159 )  
Euro
EUR 14,628,000
  Sell   05/15/07     19,014,940       19,408,611       (393,671 )  
British Pound Sterling
GBP 7,168,000
  Sell   04/13/07     14,060,636       14,073,098       (12,462 )  
British Pound Sterling
GBP 5,376,000
  Sell   05/15/07     10,474,760       10,553,512       (78,752 )  
Sweden Kronor
SEK 4,004,000
  Sell   04/13/07     587,097       573,068       14,029    
Sweden Kronor
SEK 3,003,000
  Sell   05/15/07     431,900       430,572       1,328    
    $ 70,291,844     $ 70,883,531     $ (591,687 )  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
63



ING Senior Income Fund

TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Dividends paid during the year ended February 28, 2007 were as follows:

Class   Type   Per Share
Amount
 
Class A   NII   $ 1.0171    
Class B   NII   $ 0.9399    
Class C   NII   $ 0.9399    
Class Q   NII   $ 1.0171    

 

NII - Net investment income

Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 871(k), the Fund designates 97.86% of net investment income distributions as interest-related dividends.

Above figures may differ from those cited elsewhere in this report due to differences in the calculation of income and gains under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (book) purposes and Internal Revenue Service (tax) purposes.

Shareholders are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investments in the Fund. In January, shareholders, excluding corporate shareholders, receive an IRS 1099-DIV regarding the federal tax status of the dividends and distributions they received in the calendar year.


64




ING Senior Income Fund

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited)

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Fund's Board. A Trustee who is not an interested person of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, is an independent trustee ("Independent Trustee"). The Trustees and Officers of the Fund are listed below. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about Trustees of the Registrant and is available, without charge, upon request at 1-800-992-0180.

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
During the
Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in
Fund Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
 
Independent Trustees:  
John V. Boyer(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 53
  Trustee   January
2005 - Present
  President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Executive Director, The Mark Twain House & Museum(3) (September 1989 - November 2005).     174     None  
Patricia W. Chadwick(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 58
  Trustee   January 2006 - Present   Consultant and President of self-owned company, Ravengate Partners LLC (January 2000 - Present).     174     Wisconson Energy (June 2006 - Present).  
J. Michael Earley(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 61
  Trustee   February 2002 - Present   President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Bankers Trust Company, N.A. Des Moines (June 1992 - Present).     174     Midamerica Financial Corporation (December 2002 - Present).  
R. Barbara Gitenstein(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 59
  Trustee   February 2002 - Present   President, College of New Jersey (January 1999 - Present).     174     None  
Patrick W. Kenny(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 64
  Trustee   January 2005 - Present   President and Chief Executive Officer, International Society (June 2001 - Present).     174     Assured Guaranty Ltd. (April 2004 - Present); and Odyssey Reinsurance Holdings (November 2006 - Present).  
Jock Patton(2)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 61
  Chairman and Trustee   January 2001 - Present   Private Investor (June 1997 - Present).     174     JDA Software Group, Inc. (January 1999 - Present); and Swift Transportation Co. (March 2004 - Present).  
Sheryl K. Pressler(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 56
  Trustee   January 2006 - Present   Consultant (May 2001 - Present).     174     Stillwater Mining Company (May 2002 - Present); California HealthCare Foundation (June 1999 - Present); and Romanian-American Enterprise Fund (February 2004 - Present).  
David W.C. Putnam(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 67
  Trustee   January 2001 - Present   Chair, Board of Directors and President, F.L. Putnam Securities Company, Inc. (June 1978 - Present).     174     Principled Equity Market Trust (December 1996 - Present); and Asian American Bank and Trust Company (June 1993 - Present).  
Roger B. Vincent(4)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 61
  Trustee   February 2002 - Present   President, Springwell Corporation (March 1989 - Present).     174     UGI Corporation (February 2006 - Present); and UBI Utilities, Inc. (February 2006 - Present).  

 


65



ING Senior Income Fund

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s)
Held with
Fund
  Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
During the
Past Five Years
  Number of
Funds in
Fund Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
 
Trustee who is an "Interested Person":  
John G. Turner(5)
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 67
  Trustee   January 2001 - Present   Retired.     174     Hormel Foods Corporation (March 2000 - Present); and Conseco, Inc. (September 2003 - Present).  

 

(1)  Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to the Board's retirement policy.

(2)  Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee member.

(3)  Shaun Mathews, President and Chief Executive Officer, ING Investments LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC and Head of ING USFS Mutual Funds and Investment Products, has held a seat on the Board of Directors of The Mark Twain House & Museum since September 19, 2002. ING Groep makes non-material, charitable contributions to The Mark Twain House & Museum.

(4)  Audit Committee member.

(5)  Mr. Turner is an "interested person," as defined under the 1940 Act, because of his affiliation with ING Groep, the parent corporation of the Investment Manager, ING Investments, LLC and the Distributor, ING Funds Distributor, LLC.


66



ING Senior Income Fund

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s) Held
with the Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
 
Officers:  
Shaun P. Mathews
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 51
  President and Chief Executive Officer   November 2006 - Present   President and Chief Executive Officer, ING Investments, LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2006 - Present); and Head of ING USFS Mutual Funds and Investment Products (October 2004 - Present). Formerly, CMO, ING USFS (April 2002 - October 2004); and Head of Rollover/Payout (October 2001 - December 2003).  
Michael J. Roland
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 48
  Executive Vice President   February 2002 - Present   Head of Mutual Fund Platform (February 2007 - Present); and Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC and ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2001 - Present). Formerly, Head of Product Management (January 2005 - January 2007); Chief Compliance Officer, ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (October 2004 - December 2005); and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, ING Investments, LLC (December 2001 - March 2005).  
Stanley D. Vyner
230 Park Ave.
New York, New York 10169
Age: 56
  Executive Vice President   August 2003 - Present   Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (July 2000 - Present); and Chief Investment Risk Officer (January 2003 - Present). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer of International Investments (August 2000 - January 2003).  
Joseph M. O'Donnell
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 52
  Executive Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer
March 2006 - Present
 
November 2004 - Present
  Chief Compliance Officer of the ING Funds (November 2004 - Present); ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (March 2006 - Present); and Executive Vice President of the ING Funds (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company (March 2006 - December 2006); Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary of Atlas Securities, Inc., Atlas Advisers, Inc. and Atlas Funds (October 2001 - October 2004).  
Robert S. Naka
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 43
  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Assistant Secretary
  March 2006 - Present

January 2001 - Present
  Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, ING Funds Services, LLC and ING Investments, LLC (March 2006 - Present); and Assistant Secretary, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - Present). Formerly, Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (August 1999 - March 2006).  
Todd Modic
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 39
  Senior Vice President, Chief/Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary   March 2005 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (April 2005 - Present). Formerly, Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (September 2002 - March 2005); and Director, Financial Reporting, ING Investments, LLC (March 2001 - September 2002).  
Daniel A. Norman
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 49
  Senior Vice President and Treasurer   January 2001 - Present   Senior Vice President and Group Head, ING Senior Debt Group, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2000 - Present).  
Jeffrey A. Bakalar
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 47
  Senior Vice President   January 2001 - Present   Senior Vice President and Group Head, ING Senior Debt Group, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2000 - Present).  

 


67



ING Senior Income Fund

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s) Held
with the Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
 
Elliot Rosen
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 53
  Senior Vice President   May 2002 - Present   Senior Vice President in the Senior Floating Rate Loan Group, ING Investment Management Co. (February 1999 - Present).  
William H. Rivoir III
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 56
  Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary   January 2001 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2004 - Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING USFS Law Department (January 2003 - December 2003); and Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (June 1998 - December 2002).  
Curtis F. Lee
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 52
  Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer   February 2001 - Present   Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in the Senior Floating Rate Loan Group, ING Investment Management Co. (January 2001 - Present).  
Kimberly A. Anderson
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 42
  Senior Vice President   November 2003 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (October 2003 - Present). Formerly, Vice President and Assistant Secretary, ING Investments, LLC (January 2001 - October 2003).  
Ernest J. C'DeBaca
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 37
  Senior Vice President   May 2006 - Present   Senior Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (December 2006 - Present); and ING Funds Services, LLC (April 2006 - Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (January 2004 - March 2006); and Attorney-Adviser, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (May 2001 - December 2003).  
Robert Terris
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 36
  Senior Vice President   May 2006 - Present   Senior Vice President, Head of Division Operations, ING Funds (May 2006 - Present); and Vice President, Head of Division Operations, ING Funds Services, LLC (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Vice President of Administration, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - March 2006).  
Robyn L. Ichilov
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 39
  Vice President and Treasurer   January 2001 - Present   Vice President and Treasurer, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - Present) and ING Investments, LLC (August 1997 - Present).  
Lauren D. Bensinger
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 53
  Vice President   August 2003 - Present   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, ING Funds Distributor, LLC (July 1995 - Present); Vice President, ING Investments, LLC (February 1996 - Present) and Director of Compliance, ING Investments, LLC (October 2004 - Present). Formerly, Chief Compliance Officer, ING Investments, LLC (October 2001 - October 2004).  
Maria M. Anderson
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 48
  Vice President   September 2004 - Present   Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (September 2004 - Present). Formerly, Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (October 2001 - September 2004); and Manager of Fund Accounting and Fund Compliance, ING Investments, LLC (September 1999 - October 2001).  

 


68



ING Senior Income Fund

TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION (Unaudited) (continued)

Name, Address
and Age
  Position(s) Held
with the Fund
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served(1) 
  Principal
Occupation(s)
during the
Past Five Years
 
Denise Lewis
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 43
  Vice President   January 2007 - Present   Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2006 - Present). Formerly, Senior Vice President, UMB Investment Services Group, LLC (November 2003 - December 2006); and Vice President, Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (December 2000 - August 2003).  
Kimberly K. Palmer
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 49
  Vice President   March 2006 - Present   Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (March 2006 - Present). Formerly, Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (August 2004 - Present); Manager, Registration Statements, ING Funds Services, LLC (May 2003 - August 2004); Associate Partner, AMVESCAP PLC (October 2000 - May 2003); and Director of Federal Filings and Blue Sky Filings, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (March 1994 - May 2003).  
Susan P. Kinens
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 30
  Assistant Vice President   February 2003 - Present   Assistant Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC (December 2002 - Present); and has held various other positions with ING Funds Services, LLC for more than the last five years.  
Huey P. Falgout, Jr.
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 43
  Secretary   August 2003 - Present   Chief Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (September 2003 - Present). Formerly, Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (November 2002 - September 2003); and Associate General Counsel of AIG American General (January 1999 - November 2002).  
Theresa K. Kelety
7337 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd.
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Age: 44
  Assistant Secretary   August 2003 - Present   Counsel, ING Americas, U.S. Legal Services (April 2003 - Present). Formerly, Senior Associate with Shearman & Sterling (February 2000 - April 2003).  

 

(1)  The officers hold office until the next annual meeting of the Trustees and until their successors have been elected and qualified.


69



ING Senior Income Fund

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts

Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act provides that, after an initial period, the existing investment advisory and sub-advisory contracts of ING Senior Income Fund (the "Fund") remain in effect only if the Board of the Fund, including a majority of the Trustees who have no direct or indirect interest in the advisory and sub-advisory contracts, and who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as such term is defined under the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), annually review and renew them. In this regard, at a meeting held on November 9, 2006 the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, considered whether to renew the investment advisory contract (the "Advisory Contract") between ING Investments, LLC (the "Adviser") and the Fund and the sub-advisory contract ("Sub-Advisory Contract") with ING Investment Management Co. ("ING IM" or the "Sub-Adviser").

The Independent Trustees also held separate meetings on October 12, 2006 and November 7, 2006 to consider renewals of the Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract. Thus, references herein to factors considered and determinations made by the Independent Trustees include, as applicable, factors considered and determinations made on those earlier dates.

At the November 9, 2006 meeting, the Board voted to renew the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for the Fund. In reaching this decision, the Board took into account information furnished throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the annual review process. The Board's determination took into account a number of factors that its members believed, in light of the legal advice furnished to them by Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP ("K&LNG"), their independent legal counsel, and their own business judgment, to be relevant. Further, while the Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract for the Fund were considered at the same Board meeting, the Trustees considered the Fund's advisory and sub-advisory relationships separately.

Provided below is an overview of the Board's contract approval process in general, as well as a discussion of certain of the specific factors the Board considered at the November 9, 2006 meeting. While the Board gave its attention to the information furnished, at its request, that was most relevant to its consideration, discussed below are a number of the primary factors relevant to the Board's consideration as to whether to renew the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for the one-year period ending November 30, 2007. Each Trustee may have accorded different weight to the various factors in reaching his or her conclusions with respect to the Fund's advisory and sub-advisory arrangements.

Overview of the Contract Renewal and Approval Process

In 2003, the Independent Trustees determined to undertake steps to further enhance the process under which the Board determines whether to renew existing advisory and sub-advisory arrangements for the Funds in the ING Funds complex, including the Fund's existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts, and to approve new advisory and sub-advisory arrangements. Among these measures, the Board: retained the services of an independent consultant with experience in the mutual fund industry to assist the Independent Trustees in working with the personnel employed by the Adviser or its affiliates who administer the Fund ("Management") to identify the types of information presented to the Board to inform its deliberations with respect to advisory and sub-advisory relationships; established the format in which the information requested by the Board is provided to the Board; and determined the process for reviewing such information in connection with the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contract renewal process. The end result was the implementation of the current process relied upon by the Board to review and analyze information in connection with the annual renewal of the Fund's Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts, as well as its review and approval of new advisory relationships.


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ING Senior Income Fund

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

Since the foregoing approval and renewal process was implemented, the Board regularly has reviewed and refined the process. In addition, the Board established a Contracts Committee and two Investment Review Committees, including the International/Balanced/Fixed Income Funds Investment Review Committee (the "I/B/F IRC"). The type and format of the information provided to the Board or its counsel to inform its approval and annual review and renewal process has been codified in the "15(c) Methodology Guide" (the "Methodology Guide") for the Funds in the ING Funds complex, including the Fund. The Methodology Guide was developed under the direction of the Independent Trustees, and sets out a written blueprint under which the Independent Trustees request certain information necessary to facilitate a thorough and informed review in connection with the annual Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contract renewal process. Management provides Fund-specific information to the Independent Trustees based on the Methodology Guide through "Fund Analysis and Comparison Tables" or "FACT" sheets prior to the Independent Trustees' review of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts. In 2005, the Independent Trustees retained an independent firm to verify and test the accuracy of certain of this information for a representative sample of Funds in the ING Funds complex (other than the Fund). The Independent Trustees have determined to conduct such testing periodically.

As part of a regular on-going process, the Board's Contracts Committee recommends or considers recommendations from Management for refinements and other changes to the Methodology Guide and other aspects of the review process, and the I/B/F IRC reviews benchmarks used to assess the performance of the Fund. The I/B/F IRC also meets regularly with the Adviser and periodically with ING IM.

The Board employed its process for reviewing contracts when considering the renewals of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts that would be effective through November 30, 2007. A number of the Board's primary considerations and conclusions resulting from this process are discussed below.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Service

In determining whether to approve the Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract for the Fund for the year ending November 30, 2007, the Independent Trustees received and evaluated such information as they deemed necessary regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and ING IM. This included information regarding the Adviser and ING IM provided throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information furnished for the November 9, 2006 Board meeting, which was held specifically to consider contracts renewals for the period ending November 30, 2007. In addition, the Board's Independent Trustees also held meetings on October 12 and November 7, prior to the November 9, 2006 meeting of the full Board, to consider the annual renewal of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts.

The materials requested by and provided to the Board and/or to K&LNG prior to the November 2006 Board meeting included the following items: (1) FACT sheets for the Fund that provided information about the performance and expenses of the Fund and other similarly managed funds in a selected peer group ("Selected Peer Group"), as well as information about the Fund's investment portfolio, objectives and strategies; (2) the Methodology Guide, which describes how the FACT sheets were prepared, including the manner in which benchmarks and Selected Peer Groups were selected and how profitability was determined; (3) responses from the Adviser and ING IM to a detailed series of questions posed by K&LNG; (4) copies of the forms of Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract; (5) copies of the Forms ADV for the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser; (6) financial statements for the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser; (7) drafts of a narrative summary addressing key


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ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

factors the Board customarily considers in evaluating the renewals of Advisory Contract and Sub-Advisory Contract, including a written analysis of how the Fund's performance and fees compare to its Selected Peer Group and/or designated benchmarks; and (8) other information relevant to the Board's evaluations.

The Fund's Class A shares were used for purposes of certain comparisons to the funds in the Selected Peer Group. Class A shares were selected, as general matter, so that the class with the longest performance history was compared to the analogous class of shares for each fund in the Selected Peer Group. The mutual funds chosen for inclusion in a Fund's Selected Peer group were selected based upon criteria designed to mirror the Fund class being compared to the Selected Peer Group.

In arriving at its conclusions with respect to the Advisory Contract, the Board was mindful of the "manager-of-managers" platform of the ING Funds. The Board also considered the techniques that the Adviser developed, at the Board's direction, to screen and perform due diligence on sub-advisers that are recommended to the Board to manage the Funds in the ING Funds complex. The Board noted the resources that the Adviser has committed to the Board and the I/B/F IRC to assist the Board and members of the I/B/F IRC with their assessment of the investment performance of the Fund on an ongoing basis throughout the year. This includes the appointment of a Chief Investment Risk Officer and his staff, who report directly to the Board and who have developed attribution analyses and other metrics used by the I/B/F IRC to analyze the key factors underlying investment performance for the Fund. The Board also noted the techniques used by the Adviser to monitor the performance of ING IM.

In considering the Advisory Contract, the Board also considered the extent of benefits provided to the Fund's shareholders, beyond advisory services, from being part of the ING family of Funds. The Board also took into account the Adviser's extensive efforts in recent years to reduce the expenses of the ING Funds through re-negotiated arrangements with the ING Funds' service providers.

Further, the Board received periodic reports showing that the Fund's investment policies and restrictions were consistently complied with and other periodic reports covering matters such as compliance by Adviser and Sub-Adviser personnel with codes of ethics. The Board considered reports from the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") evaluating the regulatory compliance systems of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser and procedures reasonably designed by them to assure compliance with the federal securities laws, including those related to late trading and market timing, best execution, fair value pricing, proxy voting procedures, and trade allocation, among others. The Board considered the implementation by the Adviser and ING IM of enhanced compliance policies and procedures in response to SEC rule changes and other regulatory initiatives. The Board also took into account the CCO's annual and periodic reports with respect to service provider compliance and his recommendations regarding service providers' compliance programs. In this regard, the Board also considered the policies and procedures developed by the CCO in consultation with the Board's Compliance Committee that guide the CCO's compliance oversight function.

The Board reviewed the level of staffing, quality and experience of the Fund's portfolio management team. The Board took into account the respective resources and reputations of the Adviser and ING IM, and evaluated the ability of the Adviser and ING IM to attract and retain qualified investment advisory personnel. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Fund (and other relevant funds in the ING Funds complex) by the Adviser and ING IM, and whether those resources are commensurate with the needs of the Funds and are appropriate to attempt to sustain expected levels of performance, compliance, and other needs.


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ING Senior Income Fund

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

Based on their deliberations and the materials presented to them, the Board concluded that the advisory and related services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are appropriate in light of the Fund's operations, the competitive landscape of the investment company business, and investor needs, and that the nature and quality of the overall services provided by the Adviser and ING IM were appropriate.

Performance

In assessing advisory and sub-advisory relationships, the Board placed emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund, taking into account the importance of such performance to the Fund's shareholders. While the Board considered the performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Board and Committee meetings during the year, particular attention in assessing performance was given to the Fund FACT sheets furnished in advance of the November meeting of the Independent Trustees. The FACT sheet prepared for the Fund included its investment performance compared to the Morningstar category median, Selected Peer Group and the Fund's primary benchmark. The Board's findings specific to the Fund's performance are discussed under "Specific Factors Considered," below.

Economies of Scale

In considering the reasonableness of advisory fees, the Board also considered whether economies of scale will be realized by the Adviser as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which this is reflected in the level of management fee rates charged. In this regard, the Board considered the fairness of the compensation under an Advisory Contract with level fees that does not include breakpoints, taking into account that the Fund is a closed-end Fund. The Board also noted that the Fund benefits from waivers to or reimbursements of advisory fees under expense limitation arrangements, and considered the extent to which economies of scale could effectively be realized through such waivers or reimbursements.

In evaluating economies of scale, the Independent Trustees also considered a management report presented to them and considered an evaluation and analysis presented to them on November 8, 2006 by an independent consultant.

Information about Services to Other Clients

The Board requested, and if received considered, information about the nature of services and fee rates offered by the Adviser and ING IM to other clients, including other registered investment companies and institutional accounts. The Board also noted that the fee rates charged to the Fund and similar institutional clients may differ materially due to the different services and additional regulatory overlay associated with registered investment companies, such as the Fund.

Fee Rates and Profitability

The Board reviewed and considered the contractual investment advisory fee rate, combined with the administrative fee rate, payable by the Fund to the Adviser. The Board also considered the contractual sub-advisory fee rate payable by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser for sub-advisory services.

The Board considered the Fund's fee structure as it relates to the services provided under the Contracts, and the potential fall-out benefits to the Adviser and ING IM, and their respective affiliates, from their association with the Fund. For the Fund, the Board determined that the fees


73



ING Senior Income Fund

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

payable to the Adviser and ING IM reasonable for the services that each performs, which were considered in light of the nature and quality of the services that each has performed and is expected to perform through the year ending November 30, 2007.

The Board considered information on revenues, costs and profits realized by the Adviser, which was prepared by Management in accordance with the allocation methodology (including assumptions) specified in the Methodology Guide. In analyzing the profitability of the Adviser in connection with its services to the Fund, the Board took into account the sub-advisory fee rate payable by the Adviser to ING IM with respect to the Fund. The Board also considered information that it requested and was provided by Management with respect to the profitability of service providers affiliated with the Adviser, as well as information provided by ING IM with respect to its profitability.

The Board determined that it had requested and received sufficient information to gain a reasonable understanding regarding the Adviser's and ING IM's profitability. The Board also recognized that profitability analysis is not an exact science and there is no uniform methodology for determining profitability for this purpose. In this context, the Board realized that Management's calculations regarding its costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the operations of the Funds in the ING Funds complex may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to each ING Fund (including the Fund) in determining profitability, and that the information presented may not portray all of the costs borne by Management nor capture Management's entrepreneurial risk associated with offering and managing a mutual fund complex in today's regulatory environment.

Based on the information on revenues, costs, and profitability considered by the Board, after considering the factors described in this section, the Board concluded that the profits, if any, realized by the Adviser and ING IM were not excessive.

Specific Factors Considered

The following paragraphs outline certain of the specific factors that the Board considered, and the conclusions reached, at its November 2006 meeting in relation to renewing the Fund's Advisory Contract and its Sub-Advisory Contract for the year ending November 30, 2007. These specific factors are in addition to those considerations discussed above. The Fund's performance was compared to its Morningstar category median and its primary benchmark, a broad-based securities market index that appears in the Fund's prospectus. The Fund's management fee and expense ratio were compared to the fees and expense ratios of the funds in its Selected Peer Group.

In considering whether to approve the renewal of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for ING Senior Income Fund, the Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended June 30, 2006: (1) the Fund underperformed its Morningstar category median for all periods presented, except it outperformed for the three- and five-year periods; (2) the Fund underperformed its primary benchmark for all periods presented, except it outperformed its primary benchmark for the five-year period; and (3) the Fund is ranked in the second quintile of its Morningstar category for the five-year period, in the third quintile of its Morningstar category for the one- and three-year periods, in the fourth quintile of its Morningstar category for the year-to-date period, and in the fifth (lowest) quintile of its Morningstar category for the most recent calendar quarter.

In analyzing this performance data, the Board also took into account: (1) Management's analysis regarding the Sub-Adviser's rationale for underperformance during certain periods, including its discussion of the negative effect of a recent, transitional period in the loan markets on the Fund's


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ING Senior Income Fund

ADVISORY CONTRACT APPROVAL DISCUSSION (Unaudited) (continued)

Board Consideration and Re-Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts (continued)

performance; and (2) in March 2006, the Fund's investment strategy was modified to permit increased investment in foreign securities.

In considering the fees payable under the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for ING Senior Income Fund, the Board took into account the factors described above and also considered: (1) the fairness of the compensation under an Advisory Contract with level fees that does not include breakpoints; (2) the pricing structure (including the expense ratio to be borne by shareholders) of ING Senior Income Fund, as compared to its Selected Peer Group; including that: (a) the management fee (inclusive of the advisory fee and a 0.10% administration fee and taking into account the effects of leverage) for the Fund is below the median and the average management fees of the funds in its Selected Peer Group, and (b) the expense ratio for the Fund is above the median and the average expense ratios of the funds in its Selected Peer Group.

After its deliberation, the Board reached the following conclusions: (1) the Fund's management fee rate is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board: (2) the Fund's expense ratio is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board; (3) the Fund's performance is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board; and (4) the sub-advisory fee rate payable by the Adviser to the Sub-Adviser is reasonable in the context of all factors considered by the Board. Based on these conclusions and other factors, the Board voted to renew the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Contracts for the Fund for the year ending November 30, 2007. During this renewal process, different Board members may have given different weight to different individual factors and related conclusions.


75



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Investment Manager

ING Investments, LLC
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

Sub-Adviser

ING Investment Management Co.
230 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10169

Administrator

ING Funds Services, LLC
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

1-800-992-0180

Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP

99 High Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Institutional Investors and Analysts

Call ING Senior Income Fund
1-800-336-3436

Written Requests

Please mail all account inquiries and other comments to:
ING Senior Income Fund
c/o ING Funds Services, LLC
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

Distributor

ING Funds Distributor, LLC
7337 East Doubletree Ranch Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258

1-800-334-3444

Transfer Agent

DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 219368
Kansas City, Missouri 64141

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company
801 Pennsylvania Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64105

Legal Counsel

Dechert LLP
1775 I Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006

Toll-Free Shareholder Information

Call us from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern time on any business day for account or other information, at (800) 992-0180

For more complete information, or to obtain a prospectus on any ING fund, please call your Investment Professional or ING Funds Distributor, LLC at (800) 992-0180 or log on to www.ingfunds.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Consider the fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this information and other information about the fund.

PRAR-USIF

(0207-042707)




 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, Registrant had adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  There were no amendments to the Code during the period covered by the report.  The Registrant did not grant any waivers, including implicit waivers, from any provisions of the Code during the period covered by this report.  The code of ethics is filed herewith pursuant to Item 10(a)(1), Exhibit 99.CODE ETH.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The Board of Trustees has determined that Patrick W. Kenny is an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.  Mr. Kenny is “independent” for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

(a)           Audit Fees:  The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements, for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were $68,750 for the year ended February 28, 2007 and $62,511 for the year ended February 28, 2006.

 

(b)           Audit-Related Fees:  The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by KPMG that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $3,487 for the year ended February 28, 2007 and $0 for the year ended February 28, 2006.

 

(c)           Tax Fees:  The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by KPMG for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were $11,928 for the year ended February 28, 2007 and $24,060 for the year ended February 28, 2006.  Such services included review of excise distribution calculations (if applicable), preparation of the Funds’ federal, state and excise tax returns, tax services related to mergers and routine consulting.

 

(d)           All Other Fees:  None.

 

(e) (1)      Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

2



 

AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
PRE-APPROVAL POLICY

 

I.              Statement of Principles

 

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”), the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors or Trustees (the “Committee”) of the ING Funds (each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”) set out on Exhibit A to this Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (“Policy”) is responsible for the oversight of the work of the Funds’ independent auditors. As part of its responsibilities, the Committee must pre-approve the audit and non-audit services performed by the auditors in order to assure that the provision of these services does not impair the auditors’ independence from the Funds. The Committee has adopted, and the Board has ratified, this Policy, which sets out the procedures and conditions under which the services of the independent auditors may be pre-approved.

 

Under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules promulgated in accordance with the Act, the Funds may establish two different approaches to pre-approving audit and non-audit services. The Committee may approve services without consideration of specific case-by-case services (“general pre-approval”) or it may pre-approve specific services (“specific pre-approval”). The Committee believes that the combination of these approaches contemplated in this Policy results in an effective and efficient method for pre-approving audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Funds’ independent auditors. Under this Policy, services that are not of a type that may receive general pre-approval require specific pre-approval by the Committee. Any proposed services that exceed pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts will also require the Committee’s specific pre-approval.

 

For both types of approval, the Committee considers whether the subject services are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence and that such services are compatible with maintaining the auditors independence. The Committee also considers whether a particular audit firm is in the best position to provide effective and efficient services to the Funds. Reasons that the auditors are in the best position include the auditors’ familiarity with the Funds’ business, personnel, culture, accounting systems, risk profile, and other factors, and whether the services will enhance the Funds’ ability to manage and control risk or improve audit quality. Such factors will be considered as a whole, with no one factor being determinative.

 

The appendices attached to this Policy describe the audit, audit-related, tax-related, and other services that have the Committee’s general pre-approval. For any service that has been approved through general pre-approval, the general pre-approval will remain in place for a period 12 months from the date of pre-approval, unless the Committee determines that a different period is appropriate. The Committee will annually review and pre-approve the services that may be provided by the independent auditors without specific pre-approval. The Committee will revise the list of services subject to general pre-approval as appropriate. This Policy does not serve as a delegation to Fund management of the Committee’s duty to pre-approve services performed by the Funds’ independent auditors.

 



 

II.            Audit Services

 

The annual audit services engagement terms and fees are subject to the Committee’s specific pre-approval. Audit services are those services that are normally provided by auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements or those that generally only independent auditors can reasonably provide. They include the Funds’ annual financial statement audit and procedures that the independent auditors must perform in order to form an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements (e.g., information systems and procedural reviews and testing). The Committee will monitor the audit services engagement and approve any changes in terms, conditions or fees deemed by the Committee to be necessary or appropriate.

 

The Committee may grant general pre-approval to other audit services, such as statutory audits and services associated with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or issued in connection with securities offerings.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the audit services listed on Appendix A. The Committee must specifically approve all audit services not listed on Appendix A.

 

III.           Audit-related Services

 

Audit-related services are assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or the review of the Funds’ financial statements or are traditionally performed by the independent auditors. The Committee believes that the provision of audit-related services will not impair the independent auditors’ independence, and therefore may grant pre-approval to audit-related services. Audit-related services include accounting consultations related to accounting, financial reporting or disclosure matters not classified as “audit services;” assistance with understanding and implementing new accounting and financial reporting guidance from rulemaking authorities; agreed-upon or expanded audit procedures relating to accounting and/or billing records required to respond to or comply with financial, accounting or regulatory reporting matters; and assistance with internal control reporting requirements under Form N-SAR or Form N-CSR.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the audit-related services listed on Appendix B. The Committee must specifically approve all audit-related services not listed on Appendix B.

 

IV.           Tax Services

 

The Committee believes the independent auditors can provide tax services to the Funds, including tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice, without compromising the auditors’ independence. Therefore, the Committee may grant general pre-approval with respect to tax services historically provided by the Funds’ independent auditors that do not, in the Committee’s view, impair auditor independence and that are consistent with the SEC’s rules on auditor independence.

 

The Committee will not grant pre-approval if the independent auditors initially recommends a transaction the sole business purpose of which is tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported in the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. The Committee may consult

 

2



 

outside counsel to determine that tax planning and reporting positions are consistent with this Policy.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the tax-related services listed on Appendix C. The Committee must specifically approve all tax-related services not listed on Appendix C.

 

V.            Other Services

 

The Committee believes it may grant approval of non-audit services that are permissible services for independent auditors to a Fund. The Committee has determined to grant general pre-approval to other services that it believes are routine and recurring, do not impair auditor independence, and are consistent with SEC rules on auditor independence.

 

The Committee has pre-approved the non-audit services listed on Appendix D. The Committee must specifically approve all non-audit services not listed on Appendix D.

 

A list of the SEC’s prohibited non-audit services is attached to this Policy as Appendix E. The SEC’s rules and relevant guidance should be consulted to determine the precise definitions of these impermissible services and the applicability of exceptions to certain of the SEC’s prohibitions.

 

VI.           Pre-approval of Fee levels and Budgeted Amounts

 

The Committee will annually establish pre-approval fee levels or budgeted amounts for audit, audit-related, tax and non-audit services to be provided to the Funds by the independent auditors. Any proposed services exceeding these levels or amounts require the Committee’s specific pre-approval. The Committee considers fees for audit and non-audit services when deciding whether to pre-approve services. The Committee may determine, for a pre-approval period of 12 months, the appropriate ratio between the total amount of fees for the Fund’s audit, audit-related, and tax services (including fees for services provided to Fund affiliates that are subject to pre-approval), and the total amount of fees for certain permissible non-audit services for the Fund classified as other services (including any such services provided to Fund affiliates that are subject to pre-approval).

 

VII.         Procedures

 

Requests or applications for services to be provided by the independent auditors will be submitted to management. If management determines that the services do not fall within those services generally pre-approved by the Committee and set out in the appendices to these procedures, management will submit the services to the Committee or its delagee. Any such submission will include a detailed description of the services to be rendered. Notwithstanding this paragraph, the Committee will, on a quarterly basis, receive from the independent auditors a list of services provided for the previous calendar quarter on a cumulative basis by the auditors during the Pre-Approval Period.

 

3



 

VIII.        Delegation

 

The Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of the Committee’s members. Any member or members to whom such pre-approval authority is delegated must report any pre-approval decisions, including any pre-approved services, to the Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Committee will identify any member to whom pre-approval authority is delegated in writing. The member will retain such authority for a period of 12 months from the date of pre-approval unless the Committee determines that a different period is appropriate. The period of delegated authority may be terminated by the Committee or at the option of the member.

 

IX.           Additional Requirements

 

The Committee will take any measures the Committee deems necessary or appropriate to oversee the work of the independent auditors and to assure the auditors’ independence from the Funds. This may include reviewing a formal written statement from the independent auditors delineating all relationships between the auditors and the Funds, consistent with Independence Standards Board No. 1, and discussing with the auditors their methods and procedures for ensuring independence.

 

 

Amended:  February 23, 2007

 

4



 

Appendix A
Pre-Approved Audit Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fee Range

 

 

 

 

 

Statutory audits or financial audits (including tax services associated with audit services)

 

x

 

As presented to Audit Committee (1)

 

 

 

 

 

Services associated with SEC registration statements, periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC or other documents issued in connection with securities offerings (e.g., consents), and assistance in responding to SEC comment letters.

 

x

 

Not to exceed $9,750 per filing

 

 

 

 

 

Consultations by Fund management with respect to accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential effect of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, Financial Accounting Standards Board, or other regulatory or standard setting bodies.

 

x

 

Not to exceed $8,000 during the Pre-Approval
Period

 

 

 

 

 

Seed capital audit and related review and issuance of consent on the N-2 registration statement

 

x

 

Not to exceed $12,600 per audit

 


(1)           For new Funds launched during the Pre-Approval Period, the fee ranges pre-approved will be the same as those for existing Funds, pro-rated in accordance with inception dates as provided in the auditors’ Proposal or any Engagement Letter covering the period at issue.  Fees in the Engagement Letter will be controlling.

 

5



 

Appendix B
Pre-Approved Audit-Related Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund Affiliates

 

Fee Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services related to Fund mergers (Excludes tax services  - See Appendix C for tax services associated with Fund mergers)

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $10,000 per merger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consultations by Fund management with respect to accounting or disclosure treatment of transactions or events and/or the actual or potential effect of final or proposed rules, standards or interpretations by the SEC, Financial Accounting Standards Board, or other regulatory or standard setting bodies. [Note:  Under SEC rules some consultations may be “audit” services and others may be “audit-related” services.]

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $5,000 per occurrence during the Pre-Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of the Funds’ semi-annual financial statements

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $2,200 per set of financial statements per fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reports to regulatory or government agencies related to the annual engagement

 

x

 

 

 

Up to $5,000 per occurrence during the Pre-Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory compliance assistance

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $5,000 per quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Training courses

 

 

 

x

 

Not to exceed $2,000 per course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Prime Rate Trust, agreed upon procedures for quarterly reports to rating agencies

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $9,450 per quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Prime Rate Trust and Senior Income Fund, agreed upon procedures for the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement with Citigroup

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $21,000 per fund per year

 

6



 

Appendix C
Pre-Approved Tax Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund
Affiliates

 

Fee Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparation of federal and state income tax returns and federal excise tax returns for the Funds including assistance and review with excise tax distributions

 

x

 

 

 

As presented to Audit Committee (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of IRC Sections 851(b) and 817(h) diversification testing on a real-time basis

 

x

 

 

 

As presented to Audit Committee (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assistance and advice regarding year-end reporting for 1099’s

 

x

 

 

 

As presented to Audit Committee (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax assistance and advice regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $5,000 for the Funds or for the Funds’ investment adviser during the Pre-Approval Period

 


(2)           For new Funds launched during the Pre-Approval Period, the fee ranges pre-approved will be the same as those for existing Funds, pro-rated in accordance with inception dates as provided in the auditors’ Proposal or any Engagement Letter covering the period at issue.  Fees in the Engagement Letter will be controlling.

 

7



 

Service

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund
Affiliates

 

Fee Range

Tax training courses

 

 

 

x

 

Not to exceed $2,000 per course during the Pre-Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax services associated with Fund mergers

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $4,000 per fund per merger during the Pre-Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other tax-related assistance and consultation, including, without limitation, assistance in evaluating derivative financial instruments and international tax issues, qualification and distribution issues, and similar routine tax consultations.

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $120,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

 

8



 

Appendix D
Pre-Approved Other Services for the Pre-Approval Period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007

 

Service

 

The Fund(s)

 

Fund Affiliates

 

Fee Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agreed-upon procedures for Class B share 12b-1 programs

 

 

 

x

 

Not to exceed $50,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security counts performed pursuant to Rule 17f-2 of the 1940 Act (i.e., counts for Funds holding securities with affiliated sub-custodians)

Cost to be borne 50% by the Funds and 50% by ING Investments, LLC.

 

x

 

x

 

Not to exceed $5,000 per Fund during the Pre-Approval Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agreed upon procedures for 15 (c) FACT Books

 

x

 

 

 

Not to exceed $35,000 during the Pre-Approval Period

 

9



 

Appendix E

 

Prohibited Non-Audit Services

Dated:            January 1, 2007

 

      Bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Funds

 

      Financial information systems design and implementation

 

      Appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution-in-kind reports

 

      Actuarial services

 

      Internal audit outsourcing services

 

      Management functions

 

      Human resources

 

      Broker-dealer, investment adviser, or investment banking services

 

      Legal services

 

      Expert services unrelated to the audit

 

      Any other service that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible

 

10



 

EXHIBIT A

 

ING EQUITY TRUST

ING FUNDS TRUST

ING ASIA PACIFIC HIGH DIVIDEND EQUITY INCOME FUND

ING GLOBAL ADVANTAGE AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING GLOBAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING RISK MANAGED NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

ING INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.

ING INVESTORS TRUST

ING MAYFLOWER TRUST

ING MUTUAL FUNDS

ING PARTNERS, INC.

ING PRIME RATE TRUST

ING SENIOR INCOME FUND

ING VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

ING VARIABLE PRODUCTS TRUST

ING VP NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST

 



 

(e) (2)      Percentage of services referred to in 4(b) — (4)(d) that were approved by the audit committee 

 

100% of the services were approved by the audit committee.

 

(f)            Percentage of hours expended attributable to work performed by other than full time employees of KPMG if greater than 50%.

 

Not applicable.

 

(g)           Non-Audit Fees:  The non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were $901,328 for the year ended February 28, 2007 and $234,850 for the year ended February 28, 2006.

 

(h)           Principal Accountants Independence:  The Registrant’s Audit committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining KPMG’s independence.

 

11



 

Item 5.  Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

a.             The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee.  The members are J. Michael Earley, Patrick W. Kenny, David W.C. Putnam, Roger B. Vincent and Sheryl K. Pressler.

 

b.             Not applicable.

 

Item 6.  Schedule of Investments

 

Schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7.  Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment companies.

 



 

ING FUNDS

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

 

Effective Date:  July 10, 2003

Revision Date:  March 2, 2007

 

I.              INTRODUCTION

 

The following are the Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines (the “Procedures and Guidelines”) of the ING Funds set forth on Exhibit 1 attached hereto and each portfolio or series thereof (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).  The purpose of these Procedures and Guidelines is to set forth the process by which each Fund will vote proxies related to the equity assets in its investment portfolio (the “portfolio securities”).  The Procedures and Guidelines have been approved by the Funds’ Boards of Trustees/Directors (1) (each a “Board” and collectively, the “Boards”), including a majority of the independent Trustees/Directors (2) of the Board.  These Procedures and Guidelines may be amended only by the Board.  The Board shall review these Procedures and Guidelines at its discretion, and make any revisions thereto as deemed appropriate by the Board.

 

II.            VALUATION, PROXY AND BROKERAGE COMMITTEE

 

The Boards hereby delegate to the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee of each Board (each a “Committee” and collectively, the “Committees”) the authority and responsibility to oversee the implementation of these Procedures and Guidelines, and where applicable, to make determinations on behalf of the Board with respect to the voting of proxies on behalf of each Fund.  Furthermore, the Boards hereby delegate to each Committee the authority to review and approve material changes to proxy voting procedures of any Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”).  The Proxy Voting Procedures of the Adviser (the “Adviser Procedures”) are attached hereto as Exhibit 2.  Any determination regarding the voting of proxies of each Fund that is made by a Committee, or any member thereof, as permitted herein, shall be deemed to be a good faith determination regarding the voting of proxies by the full Board.  Each Committee

 


(1)   Reference in these Procedures to one or more Funds shall, as applicable, mean those Funds that are under the jurisdiction of the particular Board or Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee at issue.  No provision in these Procedures is intended to impose any duty upon the particular Board or Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee with respect to any other Fund.

 

(2)   The independent Trustees/Directors are those Board members who are not “interested persons” of the Funds within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 



 

may rely on the Adviser through the Agent, Proxy Coordinator and/or Proxy Group (as such terms are defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures) to deal in the first instance with the application of these Procedures and Guidelines.  Each Committee shall conduct itself in accordance with its charter.

 

III.           DELEGATION OF VOTING AUTHORITY

 

The Board hereby delegates to the Adviser to each Fund the authority and responsibility to vote all proxies with respect to all portfolio securities of the Fund in accordance with then current proxy voting procedures and guidelines that have been approved by the Board.  The Board may revoke such delegation with respect to any proxy or proposal, and assume the responsibility of voting any Fund proxy or proxies as it deems appropriate.  Non-material amendments to the Procedures and Guidelines may be approved for immediate implementation by the President or Chief Financial Officer of a Fund, subject to ratification at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee.

 

When a Fund participates in the lending of its securities and the securities are on loan at record date, proxies related to such securities will not be forwarded to the Adviser by the Fund’s custodian and therefore will not be voted.

 

Funds that are “funds-of-funds” will “echo” vote their interests in underlying mutual funds, which may include ING Funds (or portfolios or series thereof) other than those set forth on Exhibit 1 attached hereto.  This means that, if the fund-of-funds must vote on a proposal with respect to an underlying investment company, the fund-of-funds will vote its interest in that underlying fund in the same proportion all other shareholders in the investment company voted their interests.

 

A fund that is a “feeder” fund in a master-feeder structure does not echo vote.  Rather, it passes votes requested by the underlying master fund to its shareholders.  This means that, if the feeder fund is solicited by the master fund, it will request instructions from its own shareholders, either directly or, in the case of an insurance-dedicated Fund, through an insurance product or retirement plan, as to the manner in which to vote its interest in an underlying master fund.

 

When a Fund is a feeder in a master-feeder structure, proxies for the portfolio securities owned by the master fund will be voted pursuant to the master fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures.  As such, and except as otherwise noted herein with respect to vote reporting requirements, feeder Funds shall not be subject to these Procedures and Guidelines.

 

IV.           APPROVAL AND REVIEW OF PROCEDURES

 

Each Fund’s Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures in connection with the voting of portfolio securities for the Funds as attached hereto in Exhibit 2.  The Board hereby approves such procedures.  All material changes to the Adviser Procedures must be approved by the Board or the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee prior to implementation; however, the President or Chief Financial Officer of a Fund may make such non-material changes as they deem appropriate, subject to ratification by the Board or the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage

 

2



 

Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

V.            VOTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

 

The Guidelines that are set forth in Exhibit 3 hereto specify the manner in which the Funds generally will vote with respect to the proposals discussed therein.

 

Unless otherwise noted, the defined terms used hereafter shall have the same meaning as defined in the Adviser Procedures

 

A.            Routine Matters

 

The Agent shall be instructed to submit a vote in accordance with the Guidelines where such Guidelines provide a clear “For,” “Against,” “Withhold” or “Abstain” on a proposal.  However, the Agent shall be directed to refer any proxy proposal to the Proxy Coordinator for instructions as if it were a matter requiring case-by-case consideration under circumstances where the application of the Guidelines is unclear, it appears to involve unusual or controversial issues, or an Investment Professional (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures) recommends a vote contrary to the Guidelines.

 

B.            Matters Requiring Case-by-Case Consideration

 

The Agent shall be directed to refer proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Coordinator where the Guidelines have noted “case-by-case” consideration.

 

Upon receipt of a referral from the Agent, the Proxy Coordinator may solicit additional research from the Agent, Investment Professional(s), as well as from any other source or service.

 

Except in cases in which the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, the Proxy Coordinator will forward the Agent’s analysis and recommendation and/or any research obtained from the Investment Professional(s), the Agent or any other source to the Proxy Group.  The Proxy Group may consult with the Agent and/or Investment Professional(s), as it deems necessary.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall use best efforts to convene the Proxy Group with respect to all matters requiring its consideration.  In the event quorum requirements cannot be timely met in connection with a voting deadline, it shall be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, unless the Agent’s recommendation is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under the Adviser Procedures, in which case no action shall be taken on such matter (i.e., a “Non-Vote”).

 

3



 

1.     Within-Guidelines Votes:  Votes in Accordance with a Fund’s Guidelines and/or, where applicable, Agent Recommendation

 

In the event the Proxy Group, and where applicable, any Investment Professional participating in the voting process, recommend a vote Within Guidelines, the Proxy Group will instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, to vote in this manner.  Except as provided for herein, no Conflicts Report (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures) is required in connection with Within-Guidelines Votes.

 

2.     Non-Votes:  Votes in Which No Action is Taken

 

The Proxy Group may recommend that a Fund refrain from voting under the following circumstances:  (1) if the economic effect on shareholders’ interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, e.g., proxies in connection with securities no longer held in the portfolio of an ING Fund or proxies being considered on behalf of a Fund that is no longer in existence; or (2) if the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefits, e.g., certain international proxies, particularly in cases in which share blocking practices may impose trading restrictions on the relevant portfolio security.  In such instances, the Proxy Group may instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, not to vote such proxy.  The Proxy Group may provide the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions on parameters that would dictate a Non-Vote without the Proxy Group’s review of a specific proxy.  It is noted a Non-Vote determination would generally not be made in connection with voting rights received pursuant to class action participation; while a Fund may no longer hold the security, a continuing economic effect on shareholders’ interests is likely.

 

Reasonable efforts shall be made to secure and vote all other proxies for the Funds, but, particularly in markets in which shareholders’ rights are limited, Non-Votes may also occur in connection with a Fund’s related inability to timely access ballots or other proxy information in connection with its portfolio securities.

 

Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent’s recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as described in V.B. above and V.B.4. below.

 

3.     Out-of-Guidelines Votes:  Votes Contrary to Procedures and Guidelines, or Agent Recommendation, where applicable, Where No Recommendation is Provided by Agent, or Where Agent’s Recommendation is Conflicted

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, if the Agent has made no recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration and the Procedures and Guidelines are silent, or the Agent’s recommendation on a

 

4



 

matter requiring case-by-case consideration is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under the Adviser Procedures, the Proxy Coordinator will then request that all members of the Proxy Group, including any members not in attendance at the meeting at which the relevant proxy is being considered, and each Investment Professional participating in the voting process complete a Conflicts Report (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures).  As provided for in the Adviser Procedures, the Proxy Coordinator shall be responsible for identifying to Counsel potential conflicts of interest with respect to the Agent.

 

If Counsel determines that a conflict of interest appears to exist with respect to the Agent, any member of the Proxy Group or the participating Investment Professional(s), the Proxy Coordinator will then contact the Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee(s) and forward to such Committee(s) all information relevant to their review, including the following materials or a summary thereof:  the applicable Procedures and Guidelines, the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, the recommendation of the Investment Professional(s), where applicable, any resources used by the Proxy Group in arriving at its recommendation, the Conflicts Report and any other written materials establishing whether a conflict of interest exists, and findings of Counsel (as such term is defined for purposes of the Adviser Procedures).  Upon Counsel’s finding that a conflict of interest exists with respect to one or more members of the Proxy Group or the Advisers generally, the remaining members of the Proxy Group shall not be required to complete a Conflicts Report in connection with the proxy.

 

If Counsel determines that there does not appear to be a conflict of interest with respect to the Agent, any member of the Proxy Group or the participating Investment Professional(s), the Proxy Coordinator will instruct the Agent to vote the proxy as recommended by the Proxy Group.

 

4.     Referrals to a Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee

 

A Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee may consider all recommendations, analysis, research and Conflicts Reports provided to it by the Agent, Proxy Group and/or Investment Professional(s), and any other written materials used to establish whether a conflict of interest exists, in determining how to vote the proxies referred to the Committee.  The Committee will instruct the Agent through the Proxy Coordinator how to vote such referred proposals.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall use best efforts to timely refer matters to a Fund’s Committee for its consideration.  In the event any such matter cannot be timely referred to or considered by the Committee, it shall be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, unless the Agent’s recommendation is conflicted on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration, in which case no action shall be taken on such matter (i.e., a “Non-Vote”).

 

5



 

The Proxy Coordinator will maintain a record of all proxy questions that have been referred to a Fund’s Committee, all applicable recommendations, analysis, research and Conflicts Reports.

 

VI.           CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

In all cases in which a vote has not been clearly determined in advance by the Procedures and Guidelines or for which the Proxy Group recommends an Out-of-Guidelines Vote, and Counsel has determined that a conflict of interest appears to exist with respect to the Agent, any member of the Proxy Group, or any Investment Professional participating in the voting process, the proposal shall be referred to the Fund’s Committee for determination so that the Adviser shall have no opportunity to vote a Fund’s proxy in a situation in which it or the Agent may be deemed to have a conflict of interest.  In the event a member of a Fund’s Committee believes he/she has a conflict of interest that would preclude him/her from making a voting determination in the best interests of the beneficial owners of the applicable Fund, such Committee member shall so advise the Proxy Coordinator and recuse himself/herself with respect to determinations regarding the relevant proxy.

 

VII.         REPORTING AND RECORD RETENTION

 

Annually in August, each Fund that is not a feeder in a master/feeder structure will post its proxy voting record or a link thereto, for the prior one-year period ending on June 30th on the ING Funds website.  No proxy voting record will be posted on the ING Funds website for any Fund that is a feeder in a master/feeder structure; however, a cross-reference to that of the master fund’s proxy voting record as filed in the SEC’s EDGAR database will be posted on the ING Funds website.  The proxy voting record for each Fund will also be available in the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website.

 

6



 

EXHIBIT 1

to the

ING Funds

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

ING ASIA PACIFIC HIGH DIVIDEND EQUITY INCOME FUND

ING EQUITY TRUST

ING FUNDS TRUST

ING GLOBAL ADVANTAGE AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING GLOBAL EQUITY DIVIDEND AND PREMIUM OPPORTUNITY FUND

ING INVESTMENT FUNDS, INC.

ING INVESTORS TRUST

ING MAYFLOWER TRUST

ING MUTUAL FUNDS

ING PARTNERS, INC.

ING PRIME RATE TRUST

ING RISK MANAGED NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

ING SENIOR INCOME FUND

ING SEPARATE PORTFOLIOS TRUST

ING VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

ING VARIABLE PRODUCTS TRUST

ING VP EMERGING MARKETS FUND, INC.

ING VP NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST

USLICO SERIES FUND

 



 

EXHIBIT 2

to the

ING Funds

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

ING INVESTMENTS, LLC

AND

DIRECTED SERVICES, LLC

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES

 

I.              INTRODUCTION

 

ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (each an “Adviser” and collectively, the “Advisers”) are the investment advisers for the registered investment companies and each series or portfolio thereof (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) comprising the ING family of funds.  As such, the Advisers have been delegated the authority to vote proxies with respect to securities for the Funds over which they have day-to-day portfolio management responsibility.

 

The Advisers will abide by the proxy voting guidelines adopted by a Fund’s respective Board of Directors or Trustees (each a “Board” and collectively, the “Boards”) with regard to the voting of proxies unless otherwise provided in the proxy voting procedures adopted by a Fund’s Board.

 

In voting proxies, the Advisers are guided by general fiduciary principles.  Each must act prudently, solely in the interest of the beneficial owners of the Funds it manages.  The Advisers will not subordinate the interest of beneficial owners to unrelated objectives.  Each Adviser will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.

 

The following are the Proxy Voting Procedures of ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC (the “Adviser Procedures”) with respect to the voting of proxies on behalf of their client Funds as approved by the respective Board of each Fund.

 

Unless otherwise noted, best efforts shall be used to vote proxies in all instances.

 

II.            ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A.            Proxy Coordinator

 

The Proxy Coordinator identified in Appendix 1 will assist in the coordination of the voting of each Fund’s proxies in accordance with the ING Funds Proxy Voting

 



 

Procedures and Guidelines (the “Procedures” or “Guidelines” and collectively the “Procedures and Guidelines”).  The Proxy Coordinator is authorized to direct the Agent to vote a Fund’s proxy in accordance with the Procedures and Guidelines unless the Proxy Coordinator receives a recommendation from an Investment Professional (as described below) to vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines.  In such event, and in connection with proxy proposals requiring case-by-case consideration (except in cases in which the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation), the Proxy Coordinator will call a meeting of the Proxy Group (as described below).

 

Responsibilities assigned herein to the Proxy Coordinator, or activities in support thereof, may be performed by such members of the Proxy Group or employees of the Advisers’ affiliates as are deemed appropriate by the Proxy Group.

 

Unless specified otherwise, information provided to the Proxy Coordinator in connection with duties of the parties described herein shall be deemed delivered to the Advisers.

 

B.            Agent

 

An independent proxy voting service (the “Agent”), as approved by the Board of each Fund, shall be engaged to assist in the voting of Fund proxies for publicly traded securities through the provision of vote analysis, implementation, recordkeeping and disclosure services.  The Agent is Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.  The Agent is responsible for coordinating with the Funds’ custodians to ensure that all proxy materials received by the custodians relating to the portfolio securities are processed in a timely fashion.  To the extent applicable, the Agent is required to vote and/or refer all proxies in accordance with these Adviser Procedures.  The Agent will retain a record of all proxy votes handled by the Agent.  Such record must reflect all the information required to be disclosed in a Fund’s Form N-PX pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act.  In addition, the Agent is responsible for maintaining copies of all proxy statements received by issuers and to promptly provide such materials to the Adviser upon request.

 

The Agent shall be instructed to vote all proxies in accordance with a Fund’s Guidelines, except as otherwise instructed through the Proxy Coordinator by the Adviser’s Proxy Group or a Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee (“Committee”).

 

The Agent shall be instructed to obtain all proxies from the Funds’ custodians and to review each proxy proposal against the Guidelines.  The Agent also shall be requested to call the Proxy Coordinator’s attention to specific proxy proposals that although governed by the Guidelines appear to involve unusual or controversial issues.

 

Subject to the oversight of the Advisers, the Agent shall establish and maintain adequate internal controls and policies in connection with the provision of proxy voting services

 

9



 

voting to the Advisers, including methods to reasonably ensure that its analysis and recommendations are not influenced by conflict of interest, and shall disclose such controls and policies to the Advisers when and as provided for herein.  Unless otherwise specified, references herein to recommendations of the Agent shall refer to those in which no conflict of interest has been identified.

 

C.            Proxy Group

 

The Adviser shall establish a Proxy Group (the “Group” or “Proxy Group”) which shall assist in the review of the Agent’s recommendations when a proxy voting issue is referred to the Group through the Proxy Coordinator.  The members of the Proxy Group, which may include employees of the Advisers’ affiliates, are identified in Appendix 1, as may be amended from time at the Advisers’ discretion.

 

A minimum of four (4) members of the Proxy Group (or three (3) if one member of the quorum is either the Fund’s Chief Investment Risk Officer or Chief Financial Officer) shall constitute a quorum for purposes of taking action at any meeting of the Group.  The vote of a simple majority of the members present and voting shall determine any matter submitted to a vote.  Tie votes shall be broken by securing the vote of members not present at the meeting; provided, however, that the Proxy Coordinator shall ensure compliance with all applicable voting and conflict of interest procedures and shall use best efforts to secure votes from all or as many absent members as may reasonably be accomplished.  The Proxy Group may meet in person or by telephone.  The Proxy Group also may take action via electronic mail in lieu of a meeting, provided that each Group member has received a copy of any relevant electronic mail transmissions circulated by each other participating Group member prior to voting and provided that the Proxy Coordinator follows the directions of a majority of a quorum (as defined above) responding via electronic mail.  For all votes taken in person or by telephone or teleconference, the vote shall be taken outside the presence of any person other than the members of the Proxy Group and such other persons whose attendance may be deemed appropriate by the Proxy Group from time to time in furtherance of its duties or the day-to-day administration of the Funds.  In its discretion, the Proxy Group may provide the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to perform responsibilities assigned herein to the Proxy Group, or activities in support thereof, on its behalf, provided that such instructions do not contravene any requirements of these Adviser Procedures or a Fund’s Procedures and Guidelines.

 

A meeting of the Proxy Group will be held whenever (1) the Proxy Coordinator receives a recommendation from an Investment Professional to vote a Fund’s proxy contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, (2) the Agent has made no recommendation with respect to a vote on a proposal, or (3) a matter requires case-by-case consideration, including those in which the Agent’s recommendation is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under these Adviser Procedures, provided that, if the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy

 

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Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation and no issue of conflict must be considered, the Proxy Coordinator may implement the instructions without calling a meeting of the Proxy Group.

 

For each proposal referred to the Proxy Group, it will review (1) the relevant Procedures and Guidelines, (2) the recommendation of the Agent, if any, (3) the recommendation of the Investment Professional(s), if any, and (4) any other resources that any member of the Proxy Group deems appropriate to aid in a determination of a recommendation.

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote in accordance with the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, it shall instruct the Proxy Coordinator to so advise the Agent.

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, or if the Agent’s recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration is deemed to be conflicted, it shall follow the procedures for such voting as established by a Fund’s Board.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall use best efforts to convene the Proxy Group with respect to all matters requiring its consideration.  In the event quorum requirements cannot be timely met in connection with to a voting deadline, the Proxy Coordinator shall follow the procedures for such voting as established by a Fund’s Board.

 

D.            Investment Professionals

 

The Funds’ Advisers, sub-advisers and/or portfolio managers (each referred to herein as an “Investment Professional” and collectively, “Investment Professionals”) may submit, or be asked to submit, a recommendation to the Proxy Group regarding the voting of proxies related to the portfolio securities over which they have day-to-day portfolio management responsibility.  The Investment Professionals may accompany their recommendation with any other research materials that they deem appropriate or with a request that lending activity with respect to the relevant security be reviewed, such requests to be timely considered by the Proxy Group.

 

III.           VOTING PROCEDURES

 

A.            In all cases, the Adviser shall follow the voting procedures as set forth in the Procedures and Guidelines of the Fund on whose behalf the Adviser is exercising delegated authority to vote.

 

11



 

B.            Routine Matters

 

The Agent shall be instructed to submit a vote in accordance with the Guidelines where such Guidelines provide a clear “For”, “Against,” “Withhold” or “Abstain” on a proposal.  However, the Agent shall be directed to refer any proxy proposal to the Proxy Coordinator for instructions as if it were a matter requiring case-by-case consideration under circumstances where the application of the Guidelines is unclear, it appears to involve unusual or controversial issues, or an Investment Professional recommends a vote contrary to the Guidelines.

 

C.            Matters Requiring Case-by-Case Consideration

 

The Agent shall be directed to refer proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Coordinator where the Guidelines have noted “case-by-case” consideration.

 

Upon receipt of a referral from the Agent, the Proxy Coordinator may solicit additional research from the Agent, Investment Professional(s), as well as from any other source or service.

 

Except in cases in which the Proxy Group has previously provided the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation, the Proxy Coordinator will forward the Agent’s analysis and recommendation and/or any research obtained from the Investment Professional(s), the Agent or any other source to the Proxy Group.  The Proxy Group may consult with the Agent and/or Investment Professional(s), as it deems necessary.

 

1.     Within-Guidelines Votes:  Votes in Accordance with a Fund’s Guidelines and/or, where applicable, Agent Recommendation

 

In the event the Proxy Group, and where applicable, any Investment Professional participating in the voting process, recommend a vote Within Guidelines, the Proxy Group will instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, to vote in this manner.  Except as provided for herein, no Conflicts Report (as such term is defined herein) is required in connection with Within-Guidelines Votes.

 

2.     Non-Votes:  Votes in Which No Action is Taken

 

The Proxy Group may recommend that a Fund refrain from voting under the following circumstances:  (1) if the economic effect on shareholders’ interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, e.g., proxies in connection with securities no longer held in the portfolio of an ING Fund or proxies being considered on behalf of a Fund that is no longer in existence; or (2) if the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefits, e.g., certain international

 

12



 

proxies, particularly in cases in which share blocking practices may impose trading restrictions on the relevant portfolio security.  In such instances, the Proxy Group may instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Coordinator, not to vote such proxy.  The Proxy Group may provide the Proxy Coordinator with standing instructions on parameters that would dictate a Non-Vote without the Proxy Group’s review of a specific proxy.  It is noted a Non-Vote determination would generally not be made in connection with voting rights received pursuant to class action participation; while a Fund may no longer hold the security, a continuing economic effect on shareholders’ interests is likely.

 

Reasonable efforts shall be made to secure and vote all other proxies for the Funds, but, particularly in markets in which shareholders’ rights are limited, Non-Votes may also occur in connection with a Fund’s related inability to timely access ballots or other proxy information in connection with its portfolio securities.

 

Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent’s recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as provided for in the Funds’ Procedures.

 

3.     Out-of-Guidelines Votes:  Votes Contrary to Procedures and Guidelines, or Agent Recommendation, where applicable, Where No Recommendation is Provided by Agent, or Where Agent’s Recommendation is Conflicted

 

If the Proxy Group recommends that a Fund vote contrary to the Procedures and Guidelines, or the recommendation of the Agent, where applicable, if the Agent has made no recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration and the Procedures and Guidelines are silent, or the Agent’s recommendation on a matter requiring case-by-case consideration is deemed to be conflicted as provided for under these Adviser Procedures, the Proxy Coordinator will then implement the procedures for handling such votes as adopted by the Fund’s Board.

 

4.     The Proxy Coordinator will maintain a record of all proxy questions that have been referred to a Fund’s Valuation, Proxy and Brokerage Committee, all applicable recommendations, analysis, research and Conflicts Reports.

 

13



 

IV.           ASSESSMENT OF THE AGENT AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

In furtherance of the Advisers’ fiduciary duty to the Funds and their beneficial owners, the Advisers shall establish the following:

 

A.            Assessment of the Agent

 

The Advisers shall establish that the Agent (1) is independent from the Advisers, (2) has resources that indicate it can competently provide analysis of proxy issues and (3) can make recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of the Funds and their beneficial owners.  The Advisers shall utilize, and the Agent shall comply with, such methods for establishing the foregoing as the Advisers may deem reasonably appropriate and shall do not less than annually as well as prior to engaging the services of any new proxy service.  The Agent shall also notify the Advisers in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to information previously provided to an Adviser in connection with establishing the Agent’s independence, competence or impartiality.

 

Information provided in connection with assessment of the Agent shall be forwarded to a member of the mutual funds practice group of ING US Legal Services (“Counsel”) for review.  Counsel shall review such information and advise the Proxy Coordinator as to whether a material concern exists and if so, determine the most appropriate course of action to eliminate such concern.

 

B.            Conflicts of Interest

 

The Advisers shall establish and maintain procedures to identify and address conflicts that may arise from time to time concerning the Agent.  Upon the Advisers’ request, which shall be not less than annually, and within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to such information previously provided to an Adviser, the Agent shall provide the Advisers with such information as the Advisers deem reasonable and appropriate for use in determining material relationships of the Agent that may pose a conflict of interest with respect to the Agent’s proxy analysis or recommendations.  The Proxy Coordinator shall forward all such information to Counsel for review.  Counsel shall review such information and provide the Proxy Coordinator with a brief statement regarding whether or not a material conflict of interest is present.  Matters as to which a material conflict of interest is deemed to be present shall be handled as provided in the Fund’s Procedures and Guidelines.

 

In connection with their participation in the voting process for portfolio securities, each member of the Proxy Group, and each Investment Professional participating in the voting process, must act solely in the best interests of the beneficial owners of the applicable Fund.  The members of the Proxy Group may not subordinate

 

14



 

the interests of the Fund’s beneficial owners to unrelated objectives, including taking steps to reasonably insulate the voting process from any conflict of interest that may exist in connection with the Agent’s services or utilization thereof.

 

For all matters for which the Proxy Group recommends an Out-of-Guidelines Vote, or for which a recommendation contrary to that of the Agent or the Guidelines has been received from an Investment Professional and is to be utilized, the Proxy Coordinator will implement the procedures for handling such votes as adopted by the Fund’s Board, including completion of such Conflicts Reports as may be required under the Fund’s Procedures.  Completed Conflicts Reports shall be provided to the Proxy Coordinator within two (2) business days.  Such Conflicts Report should describe any known conflicts of either a business or personal nature, and set forth any contacts with respect to the referral item with non-investment personnel in its organization or with outside parties (except for routine communications from proxy solicitors).  The Conflicts Report should also include written confirmation that any recommendation from an Investment Professional provided in connection with an Out-of-Guidelines Vote or under circumstances where a conflict of interest exists was made solely on the investment merits and without regard to any other consideration.

 

The Proxy Coordinator shall forward all Conflicts Reports to Counsel for review.  Counsel shall review each report and provide the Proxy Coordinator with a brief statement regarding whether or not a material conflict of interest is present.  Matters as to which a material conflict of interest is deemed to be present shall be handled as provided in the Fund’s Procedures and Guidelines.

 

V.            REPORTING AND RECORD RETENTION

 

The Adviser shall maintain the records required by Rule 204-2(c)(2), as may be amended from time to time, including the following: (1) A copy of each proxy statement received regarding a Fund’s portfolio securities.  Such proxy statements received from issuers are available either in the SEC’s EDGAR database or are kept by the Agent and are available upon request. (2) A record of each vote cast on behalf of a Fund. (3) A copy of any document created by the Adviser that was material to making a decision how to vote a proxy, or that memorializes the basis for that decision. (4) A copy of written requests for Fund proxy voting information and any written response thereto or to any oral request for information on how the Adviser voted proxies on behalf of a Fund.  All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation will be retained for a minimum of six (6) years.

 

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APPENDIX 1

to the

Advisers’ Proxy Voting Procedures

 

Proxy Group for registered investment company clients of ING Investments, LLC and Directed Services, LLC:

 

Name

 

Title or Affiliation

 

 

 

Stanley D. Vyner

 

Chief Investment Risk Officer and Executive Vice President, ING Investments, LLC

 

 

 

Todd Modic

 

Senior Vice President, ING Funds Services, LLC and ING Investments, LLC; and Chief Financial Officer of the ING Funds

 

 

 

Maria Anderson

 

Vice President of Fund Compliance, ING Funds Services, LLC

 

 

 

Karla J. Bos

 

Proxy Coordinator for the ING Funds and Manager – Special Projects, ING Funds Services, LLC

 

 

 

Julius Drelick

 

Vice President, Advisory and Product Management, ING Funds Services, LLC

 

 

 

Theresa K. Kelety, Esq.

 

Counsel, ING Americas US Legal Services

 

 

 

Steve Wastek, Esq.

 

Counsel, ING Americas US Legal Services

 

 

Effective as of December 31, 2006

 

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EXHIBIT 3

to the

ING Funds
Proxy Voting Procedures

 

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES OF THE ING FUNDS

 

I.              INTRODUCTION

 

The following is a statement of the Proxy Voting Guidelines (“Guidelines”) that have been adopted by the respective Boards of Directors or Trustees of each Fund. Unless otherwise provided for herein, any defined term used herein shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Funds’ and Advisers’ Proxy Voting Procedures (the “Procedures”).

 

Proxies must be voted in the best interest of the Fund(s). The Guidelines summarize the Funds’ positions on various issues of concern to investors, and give a general indication of how Fund portfolio securities will be voted on proposals dealing with particular issues. The Guidelines are not exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues.

 

The Advisers, in exercising their delegated authority, will abide by the Guidelines as outlined below with regard to the voting of proxies except as otherwise provided in the Procedures. In voting proxies, the Advisers are guided by general fiduciary principles. Each must act prudently, solely in the interest of the beneficial owners of the Funds it manages. The Advisers will not subordinate the interest of beneficial owners to unrelated objectives. Each Adviser will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.

 

II.            GUIDELINES

 

The following Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders of U.S. issuers:  Board of Directors, Proxy Contests, Auditors, Proxy Contest Defenses, Tender Offer Defenses, Miscellaneous, Capital Structure, Executive and Director Compensation, State of Incorporation, Mergers and Corporate Restructurings, Mutual Fund Proxies and Social and Environmental Issues. An additional section addresses proposals most frequently found in global proxies.

 

General Policies

 

These Guidelines apply to securities of publicly traded companies and to those of privately held companies if publicly available disclosure permits such application. All matters for which such disclosure is not available shall be considered CASE-BY-CASE.

 



 

It shall generally be the policy of the Funds to take no action on a proxy for which no Fund holds a position or otherwise maintains an economic interest in the relevant security at the time the vote is to be cast.

 

In all cases receiving CASE-BY-CASE consideration, including cases not specifically provided for under these Guidelines, unless otherwise provided for under these Guidelines, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the recommendation provided by the Funds’ Agent, Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendation in cases in which such recommendation aligns with the recommendation of the relevant issuer’s management. However, this policy shall not apply to CASE-BY-CASE proposals for which a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional for the relevant Fund has been received and is to be utilized, provided that incorporation of any such recommendation shall be subject to the conflict of interest review process required under the Procedures.

 

Recommendations from the Investment Professionals, while not required under the Procedures, are likely to be considered with respect to proxies for private equity securities and/or proposals related to merger transactions/corporate restructurings, proxy contests related to takeover bids/contested business combinations, or unusual or controversial issues. Such input shall be given primary consideration with respect to CASE-BY-CASE proposals being considered on behalf of the relevant Fund.

 

Except as otherwise provided for herein, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds not to support proposals that would impose a negative impact on existing rights of the Funds to the extent that any positive impact would not be deemed sufficient to outweigh removal or diminution of such rights.

 

The foregoing policies may be overridden in any case as provided for in the Procedures. Similarly, the Procedures provide that proposals whose Guidelines prescribe a firm voting position may instead be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis in cases in which unusual or controversial circumstances so dictate.

 

Interpretation and application of these Guidelines is not intended to supersede any law, regulation, binding agreement or other legal requirement to which an issuer may be or become subject. No proposal shall be supported whose implementation would contravene such requirements.

 

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1.             The Board of Directors

 

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, the Agent’s standards with respect to determining director independence shall apply. These standards generally provide that, to be considered completely independent, a director shall have no material connection to the company other than the board seat.

 

Agreement with the Agent’s independence standards shall not dictate that a Fund’s vote shall be cast according to the Agent’s corresponding recommendation. Votes on director nominees not subject to specific policies described herein should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Where applicable and except as otherwise provided for herein, it shall be the policy of the Funds to lodge disagreement with an issuer’s policies or practices by withholding support from a proposal for the relevant policy or practice rather than the director nominee(s) to which the Agent assigns a correlation.

 

If application of the policies described herein would result in withholding votes from the majority of independent outside directors sitting on a board, or removal of such directors is likely to negatively impact majority board independence, primary consideration shall be given to retention of such independent outside director nominees unless the concerns identified are of such grave nature as to merit removal of the independent directors.

 

Where applicable and except as otherwise provided for herein, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD votes (or DO NOT VOTE AGAINST, pursuant to the applicable election standard) in connection with issues raised by the Agent if the nominee did not serve on the board or relevant committee during the majority of the time period relevant to the concerns cited by the Agent.

 

WITHHOLD votes from a nominee who, during both of the most recent two years, attended less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid reason for the absences. DO NOT WITHHOLD votes in connection with attendance issues for nominees who have served on the board for less than the two most recent years.

 

WITHHOLD votes from a nominee in connection with poison pill or anti-takeover considerations (e.g., furtherance of measures serving to disenfranchise shareholders or failure to remove restrictive pill features or ensure pill expiration or submission to shareholders for vote) in cases for which culpability for implementation or renewal of the pill in such form can be specifically attributed to the nominee.

 

Provided that a nominee served on the board during the relevant time period, WITHHOLD votes from a nominee who has failed to implement a shareholder proposal that was approved by (1) a majority of the issuer’s shares outstanding (most recent annual meeting) or (2) a majority of the votes cast for two consecutive years. However, in the case of shareholder proposals seeking shareholder ratification of a poison pill, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from a nominee

 

19



 

in such cases if the company has already implemented a policy that should reasonably prevent abusive use of the pill.

 

If a nominee has not acted upon WITHHOLD votes representing a majority of the votes cast at the previous annual meeting, consider such nominee on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, vote FOR nominees when (1) the issue relevant to the majority WITHHOLD has been adequately addressed or cured or (2) the Funds’ Guidelines or voting record do not support the relevant issue.

 

WITHHOLD votes from inside directors or affiliated outside directors who sit on the audit committee.

 

DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from inside directors or affiliated outside directors who sit on the nominating or compensation committee, provided that such committee meets the applicable independence requirements of the relevant listing exchange.

 

DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from inside directors or affiliated outside directors if the full board serves as the compensation or nominating committee OR has not created one or both committees, provided that the issuer is in compliance with all provisions of the listing exchange in connection with performance of relevant functions (e.g., performance of relevant functions by a majority of independent directors in lieu of the formation of a separate committee).

 

In cases in which the Agent has identified a “pay for performance” disconnect, as defined by the Agent, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD support from director nominees. If the Agent has raised other considerations regarding “poor compensation practices,” consider nominees on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. However, where applicable and except as otherwise provided for herein, generally DO NOT WITHHOLD votes from nominees who did not serve on the compensation committee, or board, as applicable, during the majority of the time period relevant to the concerns cited by the Agent.

 

Generally, vote FOR independent outside director nominees serving on the audit committee, but if total non-audit fees exceed the total of audit fees, audit-related fees and tax compliance and preparation fees, do vote AGAINST auditor ratification if concerns exist regarding such fees, e.g., that remuneration for the non-audit work is so lucrative as to taint the auditor’s independence or is excessive in connection with the level and type of services provided.

 

It shall generally be the policy of the Funds that a board should be majority independent and therefore to consider inside director or affiliated outside director nominees in cases in which the full board is not majority independent on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally:

 

(1)                      WITHHOLD votes from the fewest directors whose removal would achieve majority independence across the remaining board.

 

(2)                      WITHHOLD votes from all non-independent nominees, including the founder, chairman or CEO, if the number required to achieve majority independence is equal to or greater than the number of non-independent nominees.

 

20



 

(3)                      Except as provided above, vote FOR non-independent nominees in the role of CEO, and when appropriate, founder or chairman, and determine support for other non-independent nominees based on the qualifications and contributions of the nominee as well as the Funds’ voting precedent for assessing relative independence to management, e.g., insiders holding senior executive positions are deemed less independent than affiliated outsiders with a transactional or advisory relationship to the company, and affiliated outsiders with a material transactional or advisory relationship are deemed less independent than those with lesser relationships.

 

(4)                      Non-voting directors (e.g., director emeritus or advisory director) shall be excluded from calculations with respect to majority board independence.

 

(5)                      When conditions contributing to a lack of majority independence remain substantially similar to those in the previous year, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote on nominees in a manner consistent with votes cast by the Fund(s) in the previous year.

 

Generally vote FOR nominees without regard to “over-boarding” issues raised by the Agent unless other concerns requiring CASE-BY-CASE consideration have been raised.

 

Generally, WITHHOLD support from nominees when the Agent so recommends due to assessment that they acted in bad faith or against shareholder interests in connection with a major transaction, such as a merger or acquisition.

 

Performance Test for Directors

 

Consider nominees failing the Agent’s performance test, which includes market-based and operating performance measures, on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Input from the Investment Professional(s) for a given Fund shall be given primary consideration with respect to such proposals.

 

Proposals Regarding Board Composition or Board Service

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to impose new board structures or policies, including those requiring that the positions of chairman and CEO be held separately, except consider such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if the board is not majority independent or pervasive corporate governance concerns have been identified. Generally, except as otherwise provided for herein, vote FOR management proposals to adopt or amend board structures or policies, except consider such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if the board is not majority independent, pervasive corporate governance concerns have been identified, or the proposal may result in a material reduction in shareholders’ rights.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking that more than a simple majority of directors be independent.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking that board compensation and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to limit the number of public company boards on which a director may serve.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek to redefine director independence or directors’ specific roles (e.g., responsibilities of the lead director).

 

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Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requesting creation of additional board committees or offices, except as otherwise provided for herein.

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that seek creation of an audit, compensation or nominating committee of the board, unless the committee in question is already in existence or the issuer has availed itself of an applicable exemption of the listing exchange (e.g., performance of relevant functions by a majority of independent directors in lieu of the formation of a separate committee).

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to impose a mandatory retirement age for outside directors unless the proposal seeks to relax existing standards, but generally DO NOT VOTE AGAINST management proposals seeking to establish a retirement age for directors.

 

Stock Ownership Requirements

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, using Delaware law as the standard. Vote AGAINST proposals to limit or eliminate entirely directors’ and officers’ liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care. Vote AGAINST indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness. Vote FOR only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if:

 

(1)                      The director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and

 

(2)                      Only if the director’s legal expenses would be covered.

 

2.             Proxy Contests

 

These proposals should generally be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Input from the Investment Professional(s) for a given Fund shall be given primary consideration with respect to proposals in connection with proxy contests related to takeover bids or other contested business combinations being considered on behalf of that Fund.

 

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

 

Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses

 

Voting to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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3.             Auditors

 

Ratifying Auditors

 

Generally, except in cases of high non-audit fees, vote FOR management proposals to ratify auditors. If total non-audit fees exceed the total of audit fees, audit-related fees and tax compliance and preparation fees, consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, voting AGAINST management proposals to ratify auditors in cases in which concerns exist that remuneration for the non-audit work is so lucrative as to taint the auditor’s independence. If such concerns exist or an issuer has a history of questionable accounting practices, also vote FOR shareholder proposals asking the issuer to present its auditor annually for ratification, but in other cases generally vote AGAINST.

 

Auditor Independence

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services (or capping the level of non-audit services).

 

Audit Firm Rotation:

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking for mandatory audit firm rotation.

 

4.             Proxy Contest Defenses

 

Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

 

Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

 

Cumulative Voting

 

Unless the company maintains a classified board of directors, generally, vote FOR management proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.

 

In cases in which the company maintains a classified board of directors, generally vote FOR shareholder proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting.

 

Time-Phased Voting

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to implement, and FOR proposals to eliminate, time-phased or other forms of voting that do not promote a one share, one vote standard.

 

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Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.

 

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

 

Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

 

5.             Tender Offer Defenses

 

Poison Pills

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification, or to redeem its pill in lieu thereof, unless (1) shareholders have approved adoption of the plan, (2) a policy has already been implemented by the company that should reasonably prevent abusive use of the pill, or (3) the board had determined that it was in the best interest of shareholders to adopt a pill without delay, provided that such plan would be put to shareholder vote within twelve months of adoption or expire, and if not approved by a majority of the votes cast, would immediately terminate.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company’s poison pill.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis management proposals to approve or ratify a poison pill or any plan that can reasonably be construed as an anti-takeover measure, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals, considering factors such as rationale, trigger level and sunset provisions. Votes will generally be cast in a manner that seeks to preserve shareholder value and the right to consider a valid offer, voting AGAINST management proposals in connection with poison pills or anti-takeover activities that do not meet the Agent’s standards.

 

Fair Price Provisions

 

Vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares.

 

Greenmail

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to adopt antigreenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company’s ability to make greenmail payments.

 

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Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis antigreenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

Pale Greenmail

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis restructuring plans that involve the payment of pale greenmail.

 

Unequal Voting Rights

 

Generally, vote AGAINST dual-class exchange offers.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST dual-class recapitalizations.

 

Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments or other key proposals.

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments, unless the proposal also asks the issuer to mount a solicitation campaign or similar form of comprehensive commitment to obtain passage of the proposal.

 

Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

White Squire Placements

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues for other than general corporate purposes.

 

Amendments to Corporate Documents

 

Unless support is recommended by the Agent or Investment Professional (including, for example, as a condition to a major transaction such as a merger), generally, vote AGAINST proposals seeking to remove shareholder approval requirements or otherwise remove or diminish shareholder rights, e.g., by (1) adding restrictive provisions, (2) removing provisions or moving them to portions of the charter not requiring shareholder approval or (3) in corporate structures such as holding companies, removing provisions in an active subsidiary’s charter that provide voting rights to parent company shareholders. This policy would also generally apply to proposals seeking approval of corporate agreements or amendments to such agreements that the Agent recommends AGAINST because a similar reduction in shareholder rights is requested.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals for charter amendments that may support board entrenchment or may be used as an anti-takeover device, particularly if the proposal is bundled or the board is classified.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals seeking charter or bylaw amendments to remove anti-takeover provisions.

 

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6.             Miscellaneous

 

Confidential Voting

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that request companies to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators, and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows:

 

                  In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy.

 

                  If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place.

 

                  If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

Open Access

 

Consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals seeking open access to management’s proxy material in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

 

Majority Voting Standard

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals but AGAINST shareholder proposals, unless also supported by management, seeking election of directors by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast in connection with a meeting of shareholders, including amendments to corporate documents or other actions in furtherance of such standard, and provided such standard when supported does not conflict with state law in which the company is incorporated. For issuers with a history of board malfeasance or pervasive corporate governance concerns, consider such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Bundled Proposals

 

Except as otherwise provided for herein, review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis bundled or “conditioned” proxy proposals, generally voting AGAINST bundled proposals containing one or more items not supported under these Guidelines if the Agent or an Investment Professional deems the negative impact, on balance, to outweigh any positive impact.

 

Shareholder Advisory Committees

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee.

 

Reimburse Shareholder for Expenses Incurred

 

Voting to reimburse expenses incurred in connection with shareholder proposals should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions determined based on the Agent’s criteria, considering whether the related proposal received the requisite support for approval and was adopted for the benefit of the company and its shareholders.

 

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Other Business

 

In connection with proxies of U.S. issuers, generally vote FOR management proposals for Other Business, except in connection with a proxy contest in which a Fund is not voting in support of management.

 

Quorum Requirements

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to lower quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding.

 

Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals related to advance notice period requirements, provided that the period requested is in accordance with applicable law and no material governance concerns have been identified in connection with the issuer.

 

7.             Capital Structure

 

Analyze on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Common Stock Authorization

 

Review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Except where otherwise indicated, the Agent’s proprietary approach, utilizing quantitative criteria (e.g., dilution, peer group comparison, company performance and history) to determine appropriate thresholds and, for requests marginally above such allowable threshold, a qualitative review (e.g., rationale and prudent historical usage), will generally be utilized in evaluating such proposals.

 

                  Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize capital increases within the Agent’s allowable thresholds or those in excess but meeting Agent’s qualitative standards, but consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis those requests failing the Agent’s review for proposals in connection with which a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional(s) has been received and is to be utilized (e.g., in support of a merger or acquisition proposal).

 

                  Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize capital increases within the Agent’s allowable thresholds or those in excess but meeting Agent’s qualitative standards, unless the company states that the stock may be used as a takeover defense. In those cases, consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional(s) has been received and is to be utilized.

 

                  Generally vote FOR proposals to authorize capital increases exceeding the Agent’s thresholds when a company’s shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain.

 

                  Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of a class of stock if the issuance which the increase is intended to service is not supported under these Guidelines.

 

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Dual Class Capital Structures

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual class capital structures, but consider CASE-BY-CASE if bundled with favorable proposal(s) or if approval of such proposal(s) is a condition of such favorable proposal(s).

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals to create or perpetuate dual class capital structures with unequal voting rights, and vote FOR shareholder proposals to eliminate them, in cases in which the relevant Fund owns the class with inferior voting rights, but generally vote FOR management proposals and AGAINST shareholder proposals in cases in which the relevant Fund owns the class with superior voting rights. Consider CASE-BY-CASE if bundled with favorable proposal(s) or if approval of such proposal(s) is a condition of such favorable proposal(s).

 

Consider management proposals to eliminate dual class capital structures CASE-BY-CASE, generally voting with the Agent’s recommendation unless a contrary recommendation has been received from the Investment Professional for the relevant Fund and is to be utilized.

 

Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares falls within the Agent’s allowable thresholds, but consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis those proposals exceeding the Agent’s threshold for proposals in connection with which a contrary recommendation from the Investment Professional(s) has been received and is to be utilized.

 

Reverse Stock Splits

 

Consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis management proposals to implement a reverse stock split. In the event the split constitutes a capital increase effectively exceeding the Agent’s allowable threshold because the request does not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized, vote FOR the split if the Agent otherwise supports management’s rationale.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the issuance of preferred stock or creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock), but vote FOR if the Agent or an Investment Professional so recommends because the issuance is required to effect a merger or acquisition proposal.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to issue or create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense. Generally vote AGAINST in cases where the company expressly states that, or fails to disclose whether, the stock may be used as a takeover defense, but vote FOR if the Agent or an Investment Professional so recommends because the issuance is required to effect a merger or acquisition proposal.

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to authorize or issue preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

 

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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Blank Check Preferred Stock

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.

 

Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

Preemptive Rights

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals that seek preemptive rights or management proposals that seek to eliminate them. In evaluating proposals on preemptive rights, consider the size of a company and the characteristics of its shareholder base.

 

Debt Restructurings

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan.

 

Share Repurchase Programs

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms, but vote AGAINST plans with terms favoring selected, non-Fund parties.

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals to cancel repurchased shares.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals for share repurchase methods lacking adequate risk mitigation as assessed by the Agent.

 

Tracking Stock

 

Votes on the creation of tracking stock are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

8.             Executive and Director Compensation

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, votes with respect to compensation and employee benefit plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s quantitative approach to evaluating such plans, which includes determination of costs and comparison to an allowable cap.

 

                  Generally, vote in accordance with the Agent’s recommendations FOR equity-based plans with costs within such cap and AGAINST those with costs in excess of it, except that plans above the cap may be supported if so recommended by the Agent or Investment Professional as a condition to a major transaction such as a merger.

 

                  Generally, vote AGAINST plans if the Agent suggests cost or dilution assessment may not be possible due to the method of disclosing shares allocated to the plan(s), except that

 

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such concerns arising in connection with evergreen provisions shall be considered CASE-BY-CASE.

 

                  Generally, vote FOR plans with costs within the cap if the considerations raised by the Agent pertain solely to equity compensation burn rate or pay for performance as defined by Agent.

 

                  Generally, vote AGAINST plans administered by potential grant recipients.

 

                  Consider plans CASE-BY-CASE if the Agent raises other considerations not otherwise provided for herein.

 

Restricted Stock or Stock Option Plans

 

Consider proposals for restricted stock or stock option plans, or the issuance of shares in connection with such plans, on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors such as level of disclosure and adequacy of vesting or performance requirements. Plans that do not meet the Agent’s criteria in this regard may be supported, but vote AGAINST if no disclosure is provided regarding either vesting or performance requirements.

 

Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis management proposals seeking approval to reprice, replace or exchange options, considering factors such as rationale, historic trading patterns, value-for-value exchange, vesting periods and replacement option terms. Generally, vote FOR proposals that meet the Agent’s criteria for acceptable repricing, replacement or exchange transactions, except that considerations raised by the Agent regarding burn rate or executive participation shall not be grounds for withholding support.

 

Vote AGAINST compensation plans that (1) permit or may permit (e.g., history of repricing and no express prohibition against future repricing) repricing of stock options, or any form or alternative to repricing, without shareholder approval, (2) include provisions that permit repricing, replacement or exchange transactions that do not meet the Agent’s criteria (except regarding burn rate or executive participation as noted above), or (3) give the board sole discretion to approve option repricing, replacement or exchange programs.

 

Director Compensation

 

Votes on stock-based plans for directors are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s quantitative approach described above as well as a review of qualitative features of the plan in cases in which costs exceed the Agent’s threshold. DO NOT VOTE AGAINST plans for which burn rate is the sole consideration raised by the Agent.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

Votes on employee stock purchase plans, and capital issuances in support of such plans, should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such plans, except that negative recommendations by the Agent due to evergreen provisions will be reviewed CASE-BY-CASE.

 

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OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals:

 

Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grants or Amend Administrative Features

 

Generally, vote FOR plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

 

Amendments to Add Performance-Based Goals

 

Generally, vote FOR amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

 

Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions Under OBRA

 

Votes on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans

 

Generally, vote FOR cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA, with primary consideration given to management’s assessment that such plan meets the requirements for exemption of performance-based compensation.

 

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

 

Regarding the remuneration of individuals other than senior executives and directors, generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek to expand or restrict disclosure or require shareholder approval beyond regulatory requirements and market practice. Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek disclosure of executive or director compensation if providing it would be out of step with market practice and potentially disruptive to the business.

 

Unless evidence exists of abuse in historical compensation practices, and except as otherwise provided for herein, generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that seek to impose new compensation structures or policies, such as “claw back” recoupments or advisory votes.

 

Golden and Tin Parachutes

 

Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals to have golden and tin parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification, provided that such “parachutes” specify change-in-control events and that the proposal does not include unduly restrictive or arbitrary provisions such as advance approval requirements.

 

Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to submit executive severance agreements that do not specify change-in-control events, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans or deferred executive compensation plans for shareholder ratification, unless such ratification is required by the listing exchange.

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes.

 

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Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is “excessive” (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares).

 

401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

Expensing of Stock Options

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to expense stock options before such treatment is required by the Federal Accounting Standards Board.

 

Holding Periods

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals requiring mandatory periods for officers and directors to hold company stock.

 

9.             State of Incorporation

 

Voting on State Takeover Statutes

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, antigreenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).

 

Voting on Reincorporation Proposals

 

Proposals to change a company’s state of incorporation should be examined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, generally supporting management proposals not assessed by the Agent as a potential takeover defense. Generally, vote FOR management reincorporation proposals upon which another key proposal, such as a merger transaction, is contingent if the other key proposal is also supported. Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder reincorporation proposals not also supported by the company.

 

10.          Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

 

Input from the Investment Professional(s) for a given Fund shall be given primary consideration with respect to proposals regarding business combinations, particularly those between otherwise unaffiliated parties, or other corporate restructurings being considered on behalf of that Fund.

 

Generally, vote FOR a proposal not typically supported under these Guidelines if a key proposal, such as a merger transaction, is contingent upon its support and a vote FOR is accordingly recommended by the Agent or an Investment Professional.

 

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Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Corporate Restructuring

 

Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including demergers, minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, spinoffs, liquidations, dispositions, divestitures and asset sales, should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals.

 

Adjournment

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to adjourn a meeting to provide additional time for vote solicitation when the primary proposal is also voted FOR.

 

Appraisal Rights

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

 

Changing Corporate Name

 

Generally, vote FOR changing the corporate name.

 

11.          Mutual Fund Proxies

 

Election of Directors

 

Vote the election of directors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Converting Closed-end Fund to Open-end Fund

 

Vote conversion proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Proxy Contests

 

Vote proxy contests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Investment Advisory Agreements

 

Vote the investment advisory agreements on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Approving New Classes or Series of Shares

 

Generally, vote FOR the establishment of new classes or series of shares.

 

Preferred Stock Proposals

 

Vote the authorization for or increase in preferred shares on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

1940 Act Policies

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Changing a Fundamental Restriction to a Nonfundamental Restriction

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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Change Fundamental Investment Objective to Nonfundamental

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to change a fund’s fundamental investment objective to nonfundamental.

 

Name Rule Proposals

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Disposition of Assets/Termination/Liquidation

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Changes to the Charter Document

 

Vote changes to the charter document on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Changing the Domicile of a Fund

 

Vote reincorporations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Change in Fund’s Subclassification

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Authorizing the Board to Hire and Terminate Subadvisors Without Shareholder Approval

 

Generally, vote FOR these proposals.

 

Distribution Agreements

 

Vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Master-Feeder Structure

 

Generally, vote FOR the establishment of a master-feeder structure.

 

Mergers

 

Vote merger proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Establish Director Ownership Requirement

 

Generally, vote AGAINST shareholder proposals for the establishment of a director ownership requirement.

 

Reimburse Shareholder for Expenses Incurred

 

Voting to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Terminate the Investment Advisor

 

Vote to terminate the investment advisor on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

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12.          Social and Environmental Issues

 

These issues cover a wide range of topics. In general, unless otherwise specified herein, vote CASE-BY-CASE. While a wide variety of factors may go into each analysis, the overall principle guiding all vote recommendations focuses on how or whether the proposal will enhance the economic value of the company. Because a company’s board is likely to have access to relevant, non-public information regarding a company’s business, such proposals will generally be voted in a manner intended to give the board (rather than shareholders) latitude to set corporate policy and oversee management.

 

Absent concurring support from the issuer, compelling evidence of abuse, significant public controversy or litigation, the issuer’s significant history of relevant violations; or activities not in step with market practice or regulatory requirements, or unless provided for otherwise herein, generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking to dictate corporate conduct, apply existing law, duplicate policies already substantially in place and/or addressed by the issuer, or release information that would not help a shareholder evaluate an investment in the corporation as an economic matter. Such proposals would generally include those seeking preparation of reports and/or implementation or additional disclosure of corporate policies related to issues such as consumer and public safety, environment and energy, labor standards and human rights, military business and political concerns, workplace diversity and non-discrimination, sustainability, social issues, vendor activities, economic risk or matters of science and engineering.

 

13.                               Global Proxies

 

The foregoing Guidelines provided in connection with proxies of U.S. issuers shall also be applied to global proxies where applicable and not provided for otherwise herein. The following provide for differing regulatory and legal requirements, market practices and political and economic systems existing in various global markets.

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to vote AGAINST global proxy proposals in cases in which the Agent recommends voting AGAINST such proposal because relevant disclosure by the issuer, or the time provided for consideration of such disclosure, is inadequate. For purposes of these global Guidelines, “AGAINST” shall mean withholding of support for a proposal, resulting in submission of a vote of AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate for the given market and level of concern raised by the Agent regarding the issue or lack of disclosure or time provided.

 

In connection with practices described herein that are associated with a firm AGAINST vote, it shall generally be the policy of the Funds to consider them on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if the Agent recommends their support (1) as the issuer or market transitions to better practices (e.g., having committed to new regulations or governance codes) or (2) as the more favorable choice in cases in which shareholders must choose between alternate proposals.

 

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Routine Management Proposals

 

Generally, vote FOR the following and other similar routine management proposals:

 

                  the opening of the shareholder meeting

 

                  that the meeting has been convened under local regulatory requirements

 

                  the presence of quorum

 

                  the agenda for the shareholder meeting

 

                  the election of the chair of the meeting

 

                  the appointment of shareholders to co-sign the minutes of the meeting

 

                  regulatory filings (e.g., to effect approved share issuances)

 

                  the designation of inspector or shareholder representative(s) of minutes of meeting

 

                  the designation of two shareholders to approve and sign minutes of meeting

 

                  the allowance of questions

 

                  the publication of minutes

 

                  the closing of the shareholder meeting

 

Discharge of Management/Supervisory Board Members

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals seeking the discharge of management and supervisory board members, unless the Agent recommends AGAINST due to concern about the past actions of the company’s auditors or directors or legal action is being taken against the board by other shareholders, including when the proposal is bundled.

 

Director Elections

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, the Agent’s standards with respect to determining director independence shall apply. These standards generally provide that, to be considered completely independent, a director shall have no material connection to the company other than the board seat.

 

Agreement with the Agent’s independence standards shall not dictate that a Fund’s vote shall be cast according to the Agent’s corresponding recommendation. Further, the application of Guidelines in connection with such standards shall apply only in cases in which the nominee’s level of independence can be ascertained based on available disclosure. These policies generally apply to director nominees in uncontested elections; votes in contested elections, and votes on director nominees not subject to policies described herein, should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

For issuers domiciled in Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden or tax haven markets, generally vote AGAINST non-independent directors in cases in which the full board serves as the audit committee, or the company does not have an audit committee.

 

For issuers in all markets, including those in tax haven markets and those in Japan that have adopted the U.S.-style board-with-committees structure, vote AGAINST non-independent directors who sit on the audit committee, or, if the slate of nominees is bundled, vote AGAINST the slate. If the slate is bundled and audit committee membership is unclear, vote FOR if the Agent otherwise recommends support.

 

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In tax haven markets, DO NOT VOTE AGAINST non-independent directors in cases in which the full board serves as the compensation committee, or the company does not have a compensation committee.

 

DO NOT VOTE AGAINST non-independent directors who sit on the compensation or nominating committees, provided that such committees meet the applicable independence requirements of the relevant listing exchange.

 

In cases in which committee membership is unclear, consider non-independent director nominees on a CASE-BY-CASE basis if no other issues have been raised in connection with his/her nomination.

 

Generally follow Agent’s recommendations to vote AGAINST individuals nominated as outside/non-executive directors who do not meet the Agent’s standard for independence, unless the slate of nominees is bundled, in which case the proposal(s) to elect board members shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

For issuers in Canada and tax haven markets, generally withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate) from bundled slates of nominees if the board is non-majority independent. For issuers in other global markets, generally follow Agent’s standards for withholding support from bundled slates or non-independent directors excluding the CEO, as applicable, if the board is non-majority independent or the board’s independence cannot be ascertained due to inadequate disclosure.

 

Generally, withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate) from nominees or slates of nominees presented in a manner not aligned with market practice and/or legislation, including:

 

                  bundled slates of nominees (e.g., Hong Kong or France);

 

                  simultaneous reappointment of retiring directors (e.g., South Africa);

 

                  in markets with term lengths capped by legislation or market practice, nominees whose terms exceed the caps or are not disclosed (except that bundled slates with such lack of disclosure shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis); or

 

                  nominees whose names are not disclosed in advance of the meeting (e.g., Austria, Philippines, Hong Kong or South Africa).

 

Such criteria will not generally provide grounds for withholding support in countries in which they may be identified as best practice but such legislation or market practice is not yet applicable, unless specific governance shortfalls identified by the Agent dictate that less latitude should be extended to the issuer.

 

In cases in which cumulative or net voting applies, generally vote with Agent’s recommendation to support nominees asserted by the issuer to be independent, even if independence disclosure or criteria fall short of Agent’s standards.

 

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Consider nominees for whom the Agent has raised concerns regarding scandals or internal controls on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN, as appropriate) from nominees or slates of nominees when:

 

                  the scandal or shortfall in controls took place at the company, or an affiliate, for which the nominee is being considered;

 

                  culpability can be attributed to the nominee (e.g., nominee manages or audits relevant function), and

 

                  the nominee has been directly implicated, with resulting arrest and criminal charge or regulatory sanction.

 

For markets such as the tax havens, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Malaysia (and for outside directors in South Korea) in which nominees’ attendance records are adequately disclosed, the Funds’ U.S. Guidelines with respect to director attendance shall apply.

 

Consider self-nominated director candidates on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such candidates.

 

Generally vote FOR nominees without regard to “over-boarding” issues raised by the Agent unless other concerns requiring CASE-BY-CASE consideration have been raised.

 

For companies incorporated in tax haven markets but which trade exclusively in the U.S., the Funds’ U.S. Guidelines with respect to director elections shall apply.

 

Board Structure

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to fix board size, but also support proposals seeking a board range if the range is reasonable in the context of market practice and anti-takeover considerations. Proposed article amendments in this regard shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Generally, vote in accordance with the Agent’s standards for indemnification and liability protection for officers and directors, voting AGAINST overly broad provisions.

 

Independent Statutory Auditors

 

With respect to Japanese companies that have not adopted the U.S.-style board-with-committees structure, vote AGAINST any nominee to the position of “independent statutory auditor” whom the Agent considers affiliated, e.g., if the nominee has worked a significant portion of his career for the company, its main bank or one of its top shareholders. Where shareholders are forced to vote on multiple nominees in a single resolution, vote AGAINST all nominees.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST incumbent nominees at companies implicated in scandals or exhibiting poor internal controls.

 

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Key Committees

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals that permit non-board members to serve on the audit, compensation or nominating committee, provided that bundled slates may be supported if no slate nominee serves on the relevant committee(s).

 

Director Remuneration

 

Consider director compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such proposals, while also factoring in the merits of the rationale and disclosure provided. Generally, vote FOR proposals to approve the remuneration of directors as long as the amount is not excessive and there is no evidence of abuse.

 

Retirement Bonuses

 

With respect to Japanese companies, generally vote FOR such proposals if all payments are for directors and auditors who have served as executives of the company. Generally vote AGAINST such proposals if one or more payments are for non-executive, affiliated directors or statutory auditors; when one or more of the individuals to whom the grants are being proposed (1) has not served in an executive capacity for the company for at least three years or (2) has been designated by the company as an independent statutory auditor, regardless of the length of time he/she has served. If the Agent raises scandal or internal control considerations, generally vote AGAINST bonus proposals only for nominees whom a Fund is also voting AGAINST for that reason, unless bundled with bonuses for a majority of retirees a Fund is voting FOR.

 

Stock Option Plans for Independent Internal Statutory Auditors

 

With respect to Japanese companies, follow the Agent’s guidelines with respect to proposals regarding option grants to independent internal statutory auditors, generally voting AGAINST such plans.

 

Compensation Plans

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, votes with respect to compensation plans, and awards thereunder or capital issuances in support thereof, should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such plans, considering quantitative or qualitative factors as appropriate for the market.

 

Amendment Procedures for Equity Compensation Plans and ESPPs

 

For Toronto (Canada) Stock Exchange issuers, votes with respect to amendment procedures for security-based compensation arrangements and employee share purchase plans shall generally be cast in a manner designed to preserve shareholder approval rights, with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s recommendation.

 

Shares Reserved for Equity Compensation Plans

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions shall generally be based on the Agent’s methodology, including classification of a company’s stage of development as growth or mature and the corresponding determination as to reasonability of the share requests.

 

39



 

Generally, vote AGAINST equity compensation plans (e.g., option, warrant, restricted stock or employee share purchase plans or participation in company offerings such as IPOs or private placements), the issuance of shares in connection with such plans, or related management proposals that:

 

                  exceed Agent’s recommended dilution limits, including cases in which the Agent suggests dilution assessment is precluded by inadequate disclosure;

 

                  provide deep or near-term discounts to executives or directors, unless discounts to executives are deemed by the Agent to be adequately mitigated by other requirements such as long-term vesting (e.g., Japan);

 

                  are administered by potential grant recipients;

 

                  permit financial assistance in the form of non-recourse (or essentially non-recourse) loans in connection with executive’s participation;

 

                  for matching share plans, do not meet the Agent’s standards, considering holding period, discounts, dilution, purchase price and performance criteria;

 

                  vesting upon change in control if deemed by the Agent to evidence a conflict of interest or anti-takeover device;

 

                  provide no disclosure regarding vesting or performance criteria (provided that proposals providing disclosure in one or both areas, without regard to Agent’s criteria for such disclosure, shall be supported provided they otherwise satisfy these Guidelines);

 

                  allow plan administrators to make material amendments without shareholder approval unless adequate prior disclosure has been provided, with such voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such plans; or

 

                  provide for retesting in connection with achievement of performance hurdles unless the Agent’s analysis indicates that (1) performance targets are adequately increased in proportion to the additional time available, (2) the retesting is de minimis as a percentage of overall compensation or is acceptable relative to market practice, or (3) the issuer has committed to cease retesting within a reasonable period of time.

 

Generally, vote FOR such plans/awards or the related issuance of shares that (1) do not suffer from the defects noted above or (2) otherwise meet the Agent’s tests if the considerations raised by the Agent pertain primarily to performance hurdles, contract or notice periods, discretionary bonuses or vesting upon change in control (other than addressed above), provided the company has provided a reasonable rationale in support of the relevant plan/award, practice or participation.

 

Consider proposals in connection with such plans or the related issuance of shares in other instances on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Remuneration Reports

 

Generally, withhold support (AGAINST or ABSTAIN as appropriate for specific market and level of concerns identified by the Agent) from remuneration reports that include compensation plans permitting:

 

(1)          practices or features not supported under these Guidelines, including financial assistance under the conditions described above;

 

40



 

(2)          retesting deemed by the Agent to be excessive relative to market practice (irrespective of the Agent’s support for the report as a whole);

 

(3)          equity award valuation triggering a negative recommendation from the Agent; or

 

(4)          provisions for retirement benefits or equity incentive awards to outside directors if not in line with market practice, except that reports will generally be voted FOR if contractual components are reasonably aligned with market practices on a going-forward basis (e.g., existing obligations related to retirement benefits or terms contrary to evolving standards would not preclude support for the report).

 

Reports receiving the Agent’s support and not triggering the concerns cited above will generally be voted FOR. Unless otherwise provided for herein, reports not receiving the Agent’s support due to concerns regarding severance/termination payments, “leaver” status, incentive structures and vesting or performance criteria not otherwise supported by these Guidelines shall be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, factoring in the merits of the rationale and disclosure provided. Reports with unsupported features may be voted FOR in cases in which the Agent recommends their initial support as the issuer or market transitions to better practices (e.g., having committed to new regulations or governance codes).

 

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

 

The Funds’ U.S. Guidelines with respect to such shareholder proposals shall apply.

 

General Share Issuances

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions shall generally be based on the Agent’s practice to vote FOR general issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 percent over currently issued capital, general issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 percent of currently issued capital, and requests to reissue repurchased shares if the related general issuance request is also supported.

 

Consider specific issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis based on the proposed use and the company’s rationale.

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to issue shares (with or without preemptive rights), or to grant rights to acquire shares, in cases in which concerns have been identified by the Agent with respect to inadequate disclosure, inadequate restrictions on discounts, or authority to refresh share issuance amounts without prior shareholder approval.

 

Increases in Authorized Capital

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions should generally be based on the Agent’s approach, as follows:

 

                  Generally, vote FOR nonspecific proposals, including bundled proposals, to increase authorized capital up to 100 percent over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding.

 

                  Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital, unless:

 

                  the specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet these Guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

 

41



 

                  the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances.

 

                  Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

 

                  The Agent’s market-specific exceptions to the above parameters (e.g., The Netherlands, due to hybrid market controls) shall be applied.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Unless otherwise provided for herein, voting decisions should generally be based on the Agent’s approach, including:

 

                  Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or issuances of preferred stock up to 50 percent of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

 

                  Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets the Agent’s guidelines on equity issuance requests.

 

                  Vote AGAINST the creation of (1) a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares or (2) blank check preferred stock unless the board states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

 

Poison Pills/Protective Preference Shares

 

Generally, vote AGAINST management proposals in connection with poison pills or anti-takeover activities (e.g., issuances, transfers or repurchases) that do not meet the Agent’s standards. Generally vote in accordance with Agent’s recommendation to withhold support from a nominee in connection with poison pill or anti-takeover considerations when culpability for the actions can be specifically attributed to the nominee. Generally DO NOT VOTE AGAINST director remuneration in connection with poison pill considerations raised by the Agent.

 

Approval of Financial Statements and Director and Auditor Reports

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals seeking approval of financial accounts and reports, unless there is concern about the company’s financial accounts and reporting, which, in the case of related party transactions, would include concerns raised by the Agent regarding consulting agreements with non-executive directors. However, generally do not withhold support from such proposals in connection with remuneration practices otherwise supported under these Guidelines or as a means of expressing disapproval of broader practices of the issuer or its board.

 

Remuneration of Auditors

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to authorize the board to determine the remuneration of auditors, unless there is evidence of excessive compensation relative to the size and nature of the company.

 

Indemnification of Auditors

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

42



 

Ratification of Auditors and Approval of Auditors’ Fees

 

Generally, follow the Agent’s standards for proposals seeking auditor ratification or approval of auditors’ fees, which indicate a vote FOR such proposals for companies in the MSCI EAFE index, provided the level of audit fee disclosure meets the Agent’s standards. In other cases, generally vote FOR such proposals unless there are material concerns raised by the Agent about the auditor’s practices or independence.

 

Allocation of Income and Dividends

 

Generally, vote FOR management proposals concerning allocation of income and the distribution of dividends.

 

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternatives

 

Generally, vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals, but vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

 

Debt Instruments

 

Generally, vote AGAINST proposals authorizing excessive discretion, as assessed by the Agent, to a board to issue or set terms for debt instruments (e.g., commercial paper).

 

Debt Issuance Requests

 

When evaluating a debt issuance request, the issuing company’s present financial situation is examined. The main factor for analysis is the company’s current debt-to-equity ratio, or gearing level. A high gearing level may incline markets and financial analysts to downgrade the company’s bond rating, increasing its investment risk factor in the process. A gearing level up to 100 percent is considered acceptable.

 

Generally, vote FOR debt issuances for companies when the gearing level is between zero and 100 percent. Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals where the issuance of debt will result in the gearing level being greater than 100 percent, or for which inadequate disclosure precludes calculation of the gearing level, comparing any such proposed debt issuance to industry and market standards, and with voting decisions generally based on the Agent’s approach to evaluating such requests.

 

Financing Plans

 

Generally, vote FOR the adoption of financing plans if they are in the best economic interests of shareholders.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Consider related party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, vote FOR approval of such transactions unless the agreement requests a strategic move outside the company’s charter or contains unfavorable terms.

 

43



 

Approval of Donations

 

Generally, vote AGAINST such proposals unless adequate, prior disclosure of amounts is provided.

 

Capitalization of Reserves

 

Generally, vote FOR proposals to capitalize the company’s reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase the par value of shares.

 

Article Amendments

 

Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis all proposals seeking amendments to the articles of association.

 

Generally, vote FOR an article amendment if:

 

                  it is editorial in nature;

 

                  shareholder rights are protected;

 

                  there is negligible or positive impact on shareholder value;

 

                  management provides adequate reasons for the amendments or the Agent otherwise supports management’s position;

 

                  it seeks to discontinue and/or delist a form of the issuer’s securities in cases in which the relevant Fund does not hold the affected security type; or

 

                  the company is required to do so by law (if applicable).

 

Generally, vote AGAINST an article amendment if:

 

                  it removes or lowers quorum requirements for board or shareholder meetings below levels recommended by the Agent;

 

                  it reduces relevant disclosure to shareholders;

 

                  it seeks to align the articles with provisions of another proposal not supported by these Guidelines;

 

                  it is not supported under these Guidelines, is presented within a bundled proposal, and the Agent deems the negative impact, on balance, to outweigh any positive impact; or

 

                  it imposes a negative impact on existing shareholder rights, including rights of the Funds, to the extent that any positive impact would not be deemed by the Agent to be sufficient to outweigh removal or diminution of such rights.

 

With respect to article amendments for Japanese companies:

 

                  Generally vote FOR management proposals to amend a company’s articles to expand its business lines.

 

                  Generally vote FOR management proposals to amend a company’s articles to provide for an expansion or reduction in the size of the board, unless the expansion/reduction is clearly disproportionate to the growth/decrease in the scale of the business or raises anti-takeover concerns.

 

                  If anti-takeover concerns exist, generally vote AGAINST management proposals, including bundled proposals, to amend a company’s articles to authorize the Board to

 

44



 

vary the annual meeting record date or to otherwise align them with provisions of a takeover defense.

 

                  Generally follow the Agent’s guidelines with respect to management proposals regarding amendments to authorize share repurchases at the board’s discretion, voting AGAINST proposals unless there is little to no likelihood of a “creeping takeover” (major shareholder owns nearly enough shares to reach a critical control threshold) or constraints on liquidity (free float of shares is low), and where the company is trading at below book value or is facing a real likelihood of substantial share sales; or where this amendment is bundled with other amendments which are clearly in shareholders’ interest.

 

Other Business

 

In connection with global proxies, vote in accordance with the Agent’s market-specific recommendations on management proposals for Other Business, generally AGAINST.

 

45



 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a) (1) Portfolio Management. The following individuals share responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

 

Daniel A. Norman. Mr. Norman is Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group, and has served in that capacity since November 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Norman was Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group (since April 1995). Mr. Norman also serves as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Fund (since January 2001), and he serves as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of ING Prime Rate Trust, another closed-end fund sub-advised by ING IM that invests primarily in Senior Loans. Mr. Norman has co-managed the Fund with Jeffrey A. Bakalar since April of 2001.

 

Jeffrey A. Bakalar. Mr. Bakalar is Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group, and has served in that capacity since November 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Bakalar was Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager in the Senior Debt Group (since January 1998). Before joining ING Groep, Mr. Bakalar was Vice President of The First National Bank of Chicago (from 1994 to 1998). Mr. Bakalar also serves as Senior Vice President of the Fund (since January 2001) and as Senior Vice President of ING Prime Rate Trust, another closed-end fund sub-advised by ING IM that invests primarily in Senior Loans. Mr. Bakalar co-managed the Fund with Mr. Norman since April of 2001.

 

Curtis F. Lee. Mr. Lee is Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in the Senior Debt Group and has served in that capacity since August 1999. Prior to joining ING Groep, Mr. Lee held a series of positions with Standard Chartered Bank in the credit approval and problem loan management functions (1992 - 1999). Mr. Lee also serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Fund (since January 2001), and he serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of ING Prime Rate Trust, another closed-end fund sub-advised by ING IM that invests primarily in Senior Loans (since January 2001). Mr. Lee has been associated with the management of the Fund since April of 2001.

 

(a) (2) (i-iii) Other Accounts Managed

 

The following table shows the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts managed by the portfolio managers as of February 28, 2006.

 

 

 

Registered Investment
Companies

 

Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles

 

Other Accts

 

Portfolio
Manager

 

Number of
Accounts

 

Total Assets
(in billions)

 

Number of
Accounts

 

Total Assets
(in billions)

 

Number of
Accounts

 

Total Assets
(in billions)

 

Daniel A. Norman

 

2

 

4.5

b

10

 

1.0

 

0

 

N/A

 

Jeffrey A. Bakalar

 

2

 

4.5

b

10

 

1.0

 

0

 

N/A

 

Curtis F. Lee

 

2

 

4.5

b

10

 

1.0

 

0

 

N/A

 

 



 

(a) (2) (iv) Conflicts of Interest

 

A portfolio manager may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because the portfolio manager is responsible for other accounts in addition to a Portfolio.  These other accounts may include, among others, other mutual funds, separately managed advisory accounts, commingled trust accounts, insurance separate accounts, wrap fee programs and hedge funds.  Potential conflicts may arise out of the implementation of differing investment strategies for the portfolio manager’s various accounts, the allocation of investment opportunities among those accounts or differences in the advisory fees paid by the portfolio manager’s accounts. 

 

A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines.  Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than one of the portfolio manager’s accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally devote to the opportunity.  Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment.

 

A portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from those of the Portfolio.  These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager.  For example, if an account were to sell a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while the Portfolio maintained its position in that security.

 

A potential conflict may arise when a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees – the difference in the fees may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to particularly appealing investment opportunities.  This conflict may be heightened where an account is subject to a performance-based fee. 

 

As part of its compliance program, ING IM has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address the potential conflicts of interest described above.  Finally, a potential conflict of interest may arise because the investment mandates for certain other accounts, such as hedge funds, may allow extensive use of short sales, which, in theory, could allow them to enter into short positions in securities where other accounts hold long positions. ING IM has policies and procedures reasonably designed to limit and monitor short sales by the other accounts to avoid harm to the Portfolios.

 

(a) (3) Compensation

 

Compensation consists of (a) fixed base salary; (b) bonus which is based on ING IM’s performance, 3 and 5 year pre-tax performance of the accounts the portfolio managers are primarily and jointly responsible for relative to account benchmarks and peer universe performance, and revenue growth of the accounts they are responsible for; and (c) long-term equity awards tied to the performance of our parent company, ING Groep.

 

Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in an annual cash incentive plan.  The overall design of the ING IM annual incentive plan was developed to closely tie pay to performance, structured in such a way as to drive performance and promote retention of top talent.  As with base salary compensation, individual target awards are determined and set based on external market data and internal comparators.  Investment performance is measured on both relative and absolute performance in all areas.  ING IM has a defined index, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P’s”) LSTA Leveraged Loan Index and, where applicable, peer groups including but not limited to Russell, Morningstar, Lipper and Lehman and set performance goals to appropriately reflect requirements for each investment team.  The measures for each team are outlined on a “scorecard” that is reviewed on an annual basis.  These scorecards reflect a comprehensive approach to measuring investment performance versus both benchmarks and peer groups over one and three year periods

 



 

and year-to-date net cash flow (changes in the accounts’ net assets not attributable to changes in the value of the accounts’ investments) for all accounts managed by the team.  The results for overall IIM scorecards are calculated on an asset weighted performance basis of the individual team scorecards.   

 

Investment professionals’ performance measures for bonus determinations are weighted by 25% being attributable to the overall ING IM performance and 75% attributable to their specific team results (60% investment performance and 15% revenue).

 

Based on job function, internal comparators and external market data, portfolio managers participate in the ING Long-Term Incentive Plan.  Plan awards are based on the current year’s performance as defined by the ING IM component of the annual incentive plan.  The awards vest in three years and are paid in a combination of ING restricted stock, stock options and restricted performance units.

 

Portfolio managers whose fixed base salary compensation exceeds a particular threshold may participate in ING’s deferred compensation plan.  The plan provides an opportunity to invest deferred amounts of compensation in mutual funds, ING stock or at an annual fixed interest rate.  Deferral elections are done on an annual basis and the amount of compensation deferred is irrevocable.

 

(a) (4) Ownership of Securities

 

The following table shows the dollar range of shares of the Fund owned by each team member as of February 28, 2006, including investments by their immediate family members and amounts invested through retirement and deferred compensation plans.

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Dollar Range of Fund Shares Owned

 

Daniel A. Norman

 

$

0

 

Jeffrey A. Bakalar

 

$

0

 

Curtis F. Lee

 

$

0

 

 

(b)                                 Not applicable.

 



 

Item 9.  Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

 

None

 

Item 10.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

The Board has a Nominating Committee for the purpose of considering and presenting to the Board candidates it proposes for nomination to fill Independent Trustee vacancies on the Board.  The Committee currently consists of all Independent Trustees of the Board (6 individuals).  The Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a Charter approved by the Board.  The primary purpose of the Nominating Committee is to consider and present to the Board the candidates it proposes for nomination to fill vacancies on the Board.  In evaluating candidates, the Nominating Committee may consider a variety of factors, but it has not at this time set any specific minimum qualifications that must be met.  Specific qualifications of candidates for Board membership will be based on the needs of the Board at the time of nomination.

 

The Nominating Committee is willing to consider nominations received from shareholders and shall assess shareholder nominees in the same manner as it reviews its own nominees.  A shareholder nominee for director should be submitted in writing to the Fund’s Secretary.  Any such shareholder nomination should include at a minimum the following information as to each individual proposed for nomination as trustee: such individual’s written consent to be named in the proxy statement as a nominee (if nominated) and to serve as a trustee (if elected), and all information relating to such individual that is required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies for election of trustees, or is otherwise required, in each case under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations.

 

The Secretary shall submit all nominations received in a timely manner to the Nominating Committee.  To be timely, any such submission must be delivered to the Fund’s Secretary not earlier than the 90th day prior to such meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made, by either disclosure in a press release or in a document publicly filed by the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Item 11.  Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)                                  Based on our evaluation conducted within 90 days of the filing date, hereof, the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the registrant is made known to the certifying officers by others within the appropriate entities, particularly during the period in which Forms N-CSR are being prepared, and the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures allow timely preparation and review of the information for the registrant’s Form N-CSR and the officer certifications of such Form N-CSR.

 

(b)                                 There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal controls that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)                    Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached hereto as EX-99.CODE ETH.

 

(a)(2)                    A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2) is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.

 

(b)                                 The officer certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.

 

     (3)                   Not applicable.

 



 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant): ING Senior Income Fund

 

 

By

/s/ Shaun P. Mathews

 

Shaun P. Mathews

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: May 7, 2007

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By

/s/ Shaun P. Mathews

 

Shaun P. Mathews

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: May 7, 2007

 

 

By

/s/ Todd Modic

 

Todd Modic

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Date: May 7, 2007