Best's Bank Deposit Rating

Effective June 02, 2008

	View A.M. Best's FAQ or read Guide to Bank Deposit Ratings for complete details on the rating scale and definitions. Also see sections on Financial Strength, Debt and Issuer Credit Ratings.

A Best's Bank Deposit Rating is an independent opinion of a bank's ability to meet its ongoing financial obligations to depositors. The rating is based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of a company's capitalization, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk.

A.M. Best's rating process incorporates specific methodologies designed to address Best's Bank Deposit Ratings and the banking industry. A complete list of Best's Banking Methodologies is available.

A Best's Bank Deposit Rating is not a warranty of a bank's ability to meet its ongoing financial obligations to depositors. View this Important Notice for complete details.

For more information about Best's Bank Ratings, please visit Best's Banking Center.

Understanding Best's Bank Deposit Ratings

Best's Bank Deposit Rating scale and descriptors are:

Ratings from "aa" to "ccc" may be enhanced with a "+" (plus) or "-" (minus) to indicate whether credit quality is near the top or bottom of a category.

A Best's Bank Deposit Rating also may be assigned an Under Review Modifier ("u") that generally is event-driven (positive, negative, or developing implications) and indicates that the rating may change in the near term, typically within six months.

A Rating Outlook is assigned to a Best's Bank Deposit Rating (aaa to c) to indicate its potential direction over an intermediate term, generally defined as 12 to 36 months. A Rating Outlook can be:

Not Rated Designation

The Not Rated (nr) designation may be assigned to banks that previously were rated.

Usage of Best's Ratings

Best's Credit Ratings are proprietary and may not be reproduced without permission from A.M. Best. A company assigned a Best's Credit Rating should review the Guide to Proper Use, which outlines the acceptable parameters of the use of these ratings.

All queries regarding the use of proprietary information or to obtain a licensing agreement or a letter of consent should be directed to:
A.M. Best Company, Office of Intellectual Property, Ambest Road, Oldwick, New Jersey 08858
Phone: 908-439-2200, extension 5644 or e-mail James.Peavy@ambest.com.

View our Legal and Licensing information for details on the use of A.M. Best trademarks, logos and service marks.

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