The ratings on Netherlands-based NIB Capital Bank N.V. (NIB) are based on the bank's recent favorable loan-loss experience, robust profitability, firm capitalization, and conservative management. NIB also benefits from its ownership by two major European pension funds, which has expanded its business opportunities, enhanced its financial flexibility, and would provide an element of support in stress situations. This ownership is through the holding company NIB Capital N.V., which encompasses NIB and two much smaller sister companies involved in asset management and private equity operations. Standard&Poor's monitors the risks in all group companies as part of its overall assessment of NIB. NIB is a wholesale bank based in The Hague, specialized in providing medium- and long-term capital in the
