SINGAPORE, Sept 17: Hund-reds of worried policyholders on Wednesday thronged Asian offices of troubled global insurance giant American International Group (AIG).In Singapore, hundreds lined up outside the company’s local headquarters while more than 1,200 descended on the Taipei offices of AIG subsidiary Nan Shan Life Insurance.

About two dozen anxious customers crowded into a small AIG subsidiary office in Hong Kong, where RTHK radio, citing government sources, reported more than 1,500 insurance policies with the subsidiary had been terminated in two days.

Authorities and AIA subsidiaries around the region sought to assure customers that the local firms are not in danger.

Nan Shan called for calm, while Taiwan’s financial regulator said the firm is financially healthy.

Hong Kong officials said the US bailout appeared to ease worries.

“The number of enquiries made to AIA was back at normal levels today,” Hong Kong Insurance Commissioner Clement Cheung said.

AIA Singapore says it has more than sufficient capital and reserves to meet obligations to policyholders. It said the funds maintained in Singapore are segregated from AIG.

Singapore’s de facto central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, cautioned policyholders against the hasty termination of their policies.—AFP