Tillerson disclosure foreshadows knotty confirmations

Washington

REX Tillerson's disclosure that he stands to receive a US$180 million cash payout from Exxon Mobil Corp if he becomes the next US secretary of state offers a preview of the thorny ethical questions that may be raised this week over a presidential Cabinet stacked with wealthy tycoons.

And with confirmation hearings scheduled for Mr Tillerson and eight other appointees of US President-elect Donald Trump, the head of the federal office that helps ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest rules told lawmakers his agency is hard-pressed by too much work and too little time.