The ratings on the National Bank of Greece S.A. (NBG) reflect heightened economic and industry risks in its home banking market posed by developments in the sovereign creditworthiness of NBG's country of domicile (Hellenic Republic; BB+/Negative/B). They also reflect Standard&Poor's Ratings Services view of NBG's dominant position in Greece's financial system, its increased geographic diversification, and enhanced capitalization. The ratings are constrained by the bank's greater credit risk than that of its Western European peers and the rapidly increasing imbalances in its funding profile. NBG provides universal banking services in Greece and is the largest financial institution in Greece, with assets of €122 billion as of June 30, 2010. The bank enjoys a strong domestic franchise and serves