SINGAPORE (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 15, 2002--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its double-'A' insurer financial strength rating on Yasuda Fire&Marine Insurance Co. (Asia) Pte Ltd. (Yasuda Asia). The rating reflects Yasuda Asia's strategic importance to the parent, Yasuda Fire&Marine Insurance Co. Ltd. (Yasuda Fire; AA/Negative/--), as well as explicit support from Yasuda Fire in the form of net worth maintenance agreement. Major rating factors: -- Supportive parent group. Yasuda Fire's commitment to Yasuda Asia is evident through both explicit and implicit support, including a strong balance sheet and high level of operational integration. Yasuda Asia plays an important role in South and Southeast Asia, servicing local operations of parent group clients and providing underwriting control and
