December 2008

In the face of market downturns and ratings downgrades across the global banking industry, International Ratings Agency, Moody's Investor Services has affirmed Arab Bank's ratings. The ratings agency noted that Arab Bank is unique in that it has a dominant franchise and an international geographic presence. The full report which is available here highlights the groups ‘strong profitability, liquidity and generally very good financial fundamentals.' These very good financial fundamentals are underpinned by a conservative investment, liquidity and risk profile which have resulted in no ratings downgrades by Moody's over the past ten years. The conservative risk profile and corporate governance controls of the Bank ensured that the Bank has been relatively shielded from the global financial crisis with no direct exposure to US subprime mortgages or debt instruments. Government guarantees of its deposits, strong capital base and proven history ensure that the Bank is well positioned for not only weathering the challenging future financial environment but continuing its growth and prosperity in the years to come.

View Moody's credit analysis (PDF)