Triple-A ratings confirmed
STANDARD & POOR’S AND MOODY’S CONFIRM NWB’S TRIPLE-A RATINGS
On 29 August 2008, rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P’s) confirmed NWB’s triple-A rating. The agency’s opinion is based on the implicit support from the Ministry of Finance, the low credit risks involved in the Bank’s lending to the Dutch public sector, its strong capital base, low cost structure and consistent strategy.
According to S&P’s, NWB’s rating prospects are stable. S&P’s assumes NWB will continue to focus on the Dutch public sector, its shares being held by the public sector in the future as well. S&P’s expects interest margins to continue to be low and potentially tighten even further, gradually putting pressure on profitability as a result. In spite of this, S&P’s anticipates a healthy profitability and low overall risk profile, thanks to the Bank’s excellent cost control strategy and outstanding credit record.
On 4 August 2008, rating agency Moody’s confirmed NWB’s triple-A rating. According to Moody’s, NWB’s rating prospects are likewise stable.
S&P’s and Moody’s analyses are available on this website.
The Hague, 1 September 2008
