MELBOURNE -- Standard & Poor's CreditWire 1/15/98 -- Standard & Poor's today assigned its triple-'A' claims-paying ability and counterparty ratings to American International Assurance Co. Ltd. (AIA), an insurance company domiciled in Hong Kong. The superior ratings reflect AIA's unparalleled business position in the Southeast Asia insurance market, superior management operating control and a strong financial profile characterized by superior capitalization, and excellent liquidity and earnings. AIA's superior financial flexibility is supported by its role as a core operating company of its ultimate parent, U.S.-based American International Group, Inc. (AIG). AIG is a leading global provider of insurance and financial services. Only partially offsetting these significant strengths are business and investment risks associated with the countries in which AIA operates.
