Former AIG CEO Maurice “Hank” Greenberg has spoken publicly for the first time about upcoming talks with regulators over the company’s accounting scandal.

He reportedly told a shareholder meeting last week at insurance broker and underwriter CV Starr – a major AIG shareholder that is controlled by Mr Greenberg and about 80 other current and former AIG executives – that he is putting together a “series of white papers” and his lawyers will meet with Securities and Exchange Commission regulators soon to discuss the AIG accounting scandal.

US media reports yesterday described Mr Greenberg’s comments as a clear indication the 80-year-old insurance industry icon is preparing to fire back at regulators who have accused him of using financial reinsurance to overstate AIG’s earnings.