On June 30, 2006, Standard&Poor's Rating Services raised its long-term counterparty credit rating on Bank of East Asia Ltd. (BEA) to 'A-' from 'BBB+' reflecting the bank's solid domestic franchise in Hong Kong and its strong but careful expansion in China. The upgrade also factors in the bank's improved asset quality, satisfactory liquidity, and above average capitalization. Moderating factors include the bank's narrow net interest margin and moderate pricing ability in a competitive operating environment, conditions which affect other banks operating in Hong Kong. The bank also faces higher risk factors as a result of its expanding China loan book. BEA has a solid franchise in Hong Kong, where it is the fifth-largest domestically incorporated bank, but is