TOKYO (Standard&Poor's) April 10, 2009--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today affirmed its 'A' long-term counterparty rating on Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (SMFG) and its 'A+' long-term counterparty ratings on Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Europe Ltd., following SMFG's announcement of a revised earnings forecast for fiscal 2008 (ended March 31, 2009) and a plan to increase capital. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its short-term counterparty credit ratings and associated issue ratings on the companies cited above, and the 'B' bank fundamental strength rating on Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. The affirmations are based on our view that the group's credit quality is backed by potentially strong government support. However, the stand-alone
