Bank Credit ratings are judgments of the credit rating agencies regarding the ability of a bank to meet its financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, or repayment of principal, on a timely basis.

Investors use credit ratings as indications of the likelihood of getting their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. International ‘AAA and BBB’ categories indicate a relatively low probability of default, while those in the "speculative" categories like international BB and D show a higher probability of default.

Banks or entities carrying the same rating are of similar but not necessarily of the identical credit quality since the rating categories do not fully reflect small differences in the degrees of credit risk. Bank ratings are not recommendations to transact with the bank; it only provides the analysis of the creditworthiness and financial health of the bank. The ratings are based on information obtained from issuers, other obligors, underwriters, their experts, and other reliable sources.

Rating Scale

• AAA Highest Credit Quality

  AAA ratings show the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

• AA Very High Credit Quality

  AA ratings indicate a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly exposed to foreseeable events.

• A High Credit Quality

  A ratings indicate a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may be more helpless to handle changing circumstances or economic conditions t han the higher ratings.

• BBB Good Credit Quality

  BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low probability of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to weaken this capacity. This is the lowest investment-grade category.

• BB Speculative Grade

  BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

• B Highly Speculative

  B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety is still there. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment depends upon sustained and favorable business and economic environment.

• CCC High Default Risk

  CCC Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely dependent upon sustained, favorable business or economic developments.

• CC rating indicates the maximum probability of default.

• C ratings are the signal of arrival of default.

• DDD Default

  The ratings of obligations in this category are based on their prospects for achieving partial or full recovery in a reorganization of the entity or liquidation of the obligor. While expected recovery values are highly speculative and cannot be estimated accurately, the following serve as general guidelines.

  DDD obligations have the highest potential for recovery, around 90%-100% of outstanding amounts and accrued interest.

• DD indicates potential recoveries in the range of 50%-90%, and

• D the lowest recovery potential, i.e., below 50%.

  Entities rated in this category have defaulted on some or all of their obligations. Entities rated 'DDD' have the highest potential among these default categories for continued operation with or without a formal reorganization process.

  Entities rated 'DD' and 'D' are generally undergoing a formal reorganization or liquidation process; those rated 'DD' are likely to satisfy a higher portion of their outstanding obligations, while entities rated 'D' have a poor prospect for repaying all obligations.

  “+ve” Or “-ve” sign may be attached to a rating to indicate relative status within major rating categories.

Rating Watch

Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive", indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative", for a potential downgrade. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.