U.S.: AIG, Prudential and GE systemically important to economy

American International Group Inc., Prudential Financial Inc. and a unit of General Electric Co. were identified by U.S. regulators as potential risks to the financial system in a step toward putting the firms under tighter government scrutiny.

AIG and Prudential, in statements issued Monday after a meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, said they were notified of the proposed designations.

Russell Wilkerson, a spokesman for GE Capital, said in an email that his company also received a notice.

The council didn't identify the companies it decided should be subjected to heightened Federal Reserve oversight.

AIG, Prudential and GE Capital had previously said they were in the final stage of review.

"The council took another important step forward by exercising one of its principal authorities to protect taxpayers, reduce risk in the financial system and promote financial stability," Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said in a statement.

Prudential, the second-largest U.S. life insurer, said it is evaluating whether to appeal the decision. AIG previously said it wouldn't oppose such a ruling.

The vote marks the first time the council, which is led by Lew and includes Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, has designated companies systemically important, meaning they could pose a risk to the broader financial system if they were to fail.

The panel was created by the Dodd-Frank law three years ago to help prevent another financial crisis.