Stable outlooks on SMBC Group's nonoperating holding company, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (SMFG), its lead bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), and the group's core banking subsidiaries reflect our expectation that the entities will maintain stable credit profiles for the coming two years. This reflects our view that a likelihood of government support in times of need will underpin their creditworthiness. The outlook also reflects our view that for the next two years the group will maintain entity-specific factors--such as its solid business foundation, funding base, and strong liquidity--in a stable manner. We might consider upgrading SMFG and its core banking subsidiaries if: We raise our sovereign credit rating on Japan and believe the group can maintain its asset