ING Groep NV will lay off approximately 72 people in Des Moines this week as part of 750 job cuts across its U.S. operations.

The cuts will take place throughout the week and affect employees in all departments. Employees were notified of the layoff plans today.

“Unfortunately, the current market realities are the driving force behind these decisions,” said spokesman Dana Ripley. He added that the layoffs would not affect any of ING’s business operations, and are in line with the company’s expected 2009 business activity.

Ripley did not specify what severance package might be offered to terminated employees.