AIG Retention Memo

AIG was contractually obligated to pay about $165 million in retention pay to AIGFP employees according to a 2008 retention plan. About $55 million had already been paid in December 2008. AIG was also obligated to pay $6 million in guaranteed pay outside the plan. Failing to make the legally required retention payments could result in AIG owing double damages plus penalties, and risked significant business and legal issues due to the complexity of AIGFP's derivatives portfolio.