Good market position in Italy of the large network of cooperative banks (Banche di Credito Cooperativo; BCCs). The BCC network's good liquidity and capitalization. Sound support mechanism that strongly limits BCC depositors' losses. Core institutional role for the BCC network. Weakening profitability among BCCs. BCCs' vulnerability to the weak domestic economy, due to the composition of their loan portfolios. BCCs' unseasoned loan portfolios and sector loan concentrations. The frequently unsophisticated risk culture in the BCC network. The ratings on Italian bank Iccrea Banca are based on Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' assessment of the creditworthiness of Italy's large network of small cooperative banks (Banche di Credito Cooperativo; BCCs) and Iccrea Banca's core status in the BCC network, as its central
