The change is largely to emphasize the American International Underwriters part of the business, the global property-casualty arm, whose headquarters operations are from the building where the AIG sign was taken down.
'Holdings' is being added to further distinguish the AIU arm, which soon will offer 20% in the form of a public stock sale. Sections are AI Holdings Inc. and AI Holdings LLC, the former for U. S. operations.

Other parts of the business are taking their original names, e. g. AIG Direct (automobile insurance) is changing back to 21st Century. Other arms are being separated according to function as part of the reorganization; some may be sold off (American Life Insurance, American International Assurance, are two now placed in a 'Special Purpose Vehicle').

The U. S. government regulators, of course, are involved in these changes and their outcome.

Chairman Liddy has said that AIG may abandon its overall name because of the public foofaraw, but no decision has been taken yet.