Strong positions across a number of markets supporting historically sound profitability Good diversification by business line and geography Solid funding base, underpinned by U.K. government guarantee scheme Capital position to be much strengthened pending planned capital increase Acquisition of Lehman businesses likely to further increase sensitivity to capital markets Substantial, albeit reduced, exposures to structured credit and leveraged finance risks Significant exposure to deteriorating economic fundamentals of the U.K., Spain, and South Africa Rapid expansion creates uncertainty about changing risk profile The ratings on U.K.-based Barclays Bank PLC (Barclays) reflect its sound underlying earnings generation, strong market positions, good diversification, solid funding base, and its recent and continuing improvements in its capitalization. As part of our CreditWatch resolution, we are
