On Oct. 30, 2003, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term counterparty credit ratings on Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (Royal Bank) and related entity National Westminster Bank PLC (NatWest) to 'AA' from 'AA-', and affirmed its 'A-1+' short-term ratings on both entities. In addition, Standard&Poor's raised its counterparty credit ratings on Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC to 'AA-/A-1+' from 'A+/A-1'. The outlook on all entities is stable. At the same time, Standard&Poor's raised its counterparty credit ratings on Ulster Bank Ltd. and Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd. to 'AA-/A-1+' from 'A+/A-1'. The outlook on both banks is stable. The ratings and outlooks on U.S.-based Citizens Financial Group Inc.'s subsidiaries remain unchanged. These rating actions
