VOL. XLVI

No 18

05-May-2003

RATINGS

Fitch Assigns A rating to HSBC Bank Middle East

Fitch Ratings announced on 30 April that it has assigned to HSBC Bank Middle East (HBME) ratings of long term A, short term F1, individual B and support 3, all with a stable outlook. The ratings reflect the strength of HBMEs regional franchise, the support of its parent HSBC Group and its consistent profitability, satisfactory asset quality and sound liquidity, said Fitch. They also take into account the banks...