Announcements (view more)

BestWeek: $6.2 Billion Revenue Places Aon Atop Global Broker Rankings: Date: 6/19/2009    Source: Press Release A.M. Best Downgrades Ratings of Popular Life Re: Date: 6/11/2009    Source: Press Release A.M. Best to Exhibit and Discuss Ratings at 2009 Missouri Bankers Association Annual Convention: Date: 6/2/2009    Source: Press Release A.M. Best to Exhibit and Discuss Ratings at 2009 Florida Bankers Association Annual Meeting: Date: 5/27/2009    Source: Press Release A.M. Best Special Report: U.S. Banking First Quarter Interest Rate Review: Date: 5/7/2009    Source: Press Release

Methodologies

Rating U.S. CDFI Banking Organizations
(January 8, 2009)
This report provides a general background of the banks and bank (or thrift) holding companies having Community Development Financial Institutions designations, as well as A.M. Best Co.s performance metrics and rating analytical framework for assessing their financial strength.

Analyzing Finance Companies (June 6, 2005) - The analytical framework for assessing finance companies highlights special issues particular to the finance industry, according to A.M. Best Co.'s latest rating methodology, Analyzing Finance Companies.

Analyzing Commercial Banking Operations (March 28, 2005) - Globally, increasing numbers of banks and insurers have expanded operations into each other's industry. Based on this growing trend, A.M. Best Co. has released a methodology for evaluating the financial health of the banking operations of insurance-related enterprises.

Industry Research (view more)

2009 Special Report: U.S. Banking Regulatory Review. Bank Oversight in Crisis is a High-Wire Act
The global financial crisis has banks and their regulators struggling with conflicting imperatives amid efforts to shore up the financial system and pull the economy at large from its deepest slump since the Great Depression. The need to restart the flow of credit sits awkwardly with banks need to preserve capital and renounce lax lending standards.
Date: 5/26/2009    Pages: 8

2009 Special Report: U.S. Banking 1st Quarter Interest Review. U.S. Debt May Overwhelm Global Investors Interest
With the record amount of Treasury debt to be auctioned in 2009, A.M. Best raises questions as to whether demand can keep pace with the increase in supply.
Date: 5/05/2009    Pages: 8    Available: Spreadsheet Data

2009 Special Report: U.S. Banking Issue Review. Widening Net Interest Margins Suggest Hope for Traditional Banks
Good news is scarce for the banking industry, as banks face deteriorating assets and capital levels, but A.M. Best sees, in current financial market and banking data, signs of opportunity for banks if they can weather the next year or two.
Date: 3/26/2009    Pages: 8    Available: Spreadsheet Data

2009 Special Report: U.S. Banking - Regulatory Review. Obama Administration, Treasury Revise Approach to Bank Bailout
As the nation's banking system continues to suffer huge losses, the Obama administration announced in February another phase to the federal bailout of troubled institutions.
Date: 2/16/2009    Pages: 8    Available: Spreadsheet Data

2008 Special Report: U.S. Banking - Issue Review, Texas Ratio. The Texas Ratio Falls Short as a Measure of Banks' Health
The U.S. banking industry saw its Texas ratio spiking up in the third quarter of 2008, but return on average assets remained positive for the majority of banks (81%), though on a declining trend since the start of the current recession in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Date: 12/23/2008    Pages: 8   Available: Spreadsheet Data