The ratings on Finland-based Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) are based on our view of the robust likelihood of extraordinary shareholder support from the bank's 'AAA' rated member countries and our assessment of its business and financial profiles as "very strong," as our criteria define the term. Its stand-alone credit profile (SACP) is 'aa+'. NIB was established as the Nordic countries' joint international financial institution in 1975, its founding members being Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Its primary purpose is to promote economic growth in member countries by financing medium- and long-term projects in the private and public sectors that strengthen competitiveness and enhance the environment. The five founding member countries enjoy some of the highest per capita incomes of
