Although it agreed to sell the business far below its valuation on the books, KB Financial's non-executive directors opposed the deal, citing an "unclear outlook for the domestic life-insurance business, the need for tighter risk management, " and a high price.

WSJ: Potential Buyers Emerge for ING's Korean Life Arm

By this measure, it is bigger than Singapore's DBS Group and Korea's Kookmin Bank (nyse: KB - news - people ), and has attracted big stakeholders such as the Temasek fund of Singapore (it has 7.6%) and CLSA and Merrill Lynch (nyse: MER - news - people ) funds.

FORBES: Risk and Reward

Prolonging the tax credit is sure to be welcomed by home builders like Toll Brothers and KB Homes, as well as financial institutions like U.S. Bank, whose mortgage-revenue rose nearly 5% last quarter.

FORBES: Homebuyer Tax Credit Closer to Extension

Despite a failed attempt at an Apprentice-type show, she has partnered with KB Home to sell Martha-branded houses, signed a deal with Macy's and plans to launch a new magazine, called Blueprint, to cater to "modern, multitasking" women between the ages of 25 and 45.

FORBES: Magazine Article