Global Finance, the prestigious international financial magazine, has ranked NBAD in its World's 50 Safest Banksfor the sixth consecutive year. This year, NBAD ranks 25th in the world's 50 safest banks, up 10 positions from the number 35 spot in the previous year. In addition NBAD remains the safest bank in the Middle East and Emerging Markets. Global Finance'sannual ranking of theWorld's 50 Safest Banks is a recognised and trusted standard of creditworthiness for the entire financial world. "We are very proud to once again be listed among the World's 50 Safest Banks and the Safest in the Emerging Markets and Middle East, especially as we have moved up 10 positions to 25th in the rankings during a period of significant change and increasing regulation," said Alex Thursby, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NBAD. "This recognition reflects the successful execution of our strategy and our continuous focus on safety. NBAD's strong credit ratings combined with the Bank's ranking amongst the World's 50 Safest Banks willserve us well as we execute our strategic growth objectives across the West-East Corridor." Mr. Thursby said. Global Finance selects banks for this list through an evaluation of long-term credit ratings—from Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch—and total assets of the 500 largest banks worldwide. "With geopolitical risk rising in some markets and globalisation continuing apace, it is essential for companies to work with banking partners they know they can trust. This ranking offers companies an objective tool for evaluating the stability and security of the world's banks—both globally and by region,"saysJoseph D. Giarraputo, Publisher of Global Finance. Regarding the top safest banks in the Emerging Markets, in which NBAD ranked highest, Mr. Giarraputo says: "This ranking is an invaluable tool for companies to evaluate institutional strength in fast-growing, but volatile, emerging markets." "NBAD continues to focus on generating solid returns whilst maintaining a conservative approach to banking. Our recognition as one of the safest banks in the world by Global Finance is due to a number of factors, including the strength of our balance sheet, our solid capital position, our high levels of liquidity and our prudent approach to risk management," said James Burdett, the Group Chief Financial Officer of NBAD. "We will continue to maintain a safe and conservative approach as we execute against our ambitious growth strategy going forward." NBAD's long term ratings are amongst the strongest combined ratings of any financial institution in the world with ratings from Moody's Aa3, Standard & Poor's (S&P) A+, Fitch AA-, RAM (Malaysia) AAA, R&I's (Japan) rating of A+.
