PARIS (Standard&Poor's) July 22, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it raised to 'AA-/A-1+' its foreign currency ratings on the HK$10 billion ($1.3 billion) CD program and $3 billion MTN program of the Hong Kong branch of Fortis Bank (AA-/Stable/A-1+). The rating action follows that on the foreign currency sovereign credit ratings on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (AA-/Stable/A-1+) on July 19, 2005. GROUP E-MAIL ADDRESS FIG_Europe@standardandpoors.com