�౦��Ϸ����

�౦��Ϸ���� (�౦��Ϸ����) would like to alleviate potential confusion over the Bank Rate Monitor's "Safe and Sound Bank and Thrift Rating System" accessible on its Internet site.

The Bank Rate Monitor's Web page indicates that the "system" assesses the financial condition of banks and thrifts based upon publicly available Call Report data. It specifies that the ratings "are based on tests of the institutions' Capitalization, Asset Quality, Earnings, and Liquidity (CAEL)." The acronym "CAEL" is used throughout the Web page.

CAEL is an official �౦��Ϸ���� acronym and is closely associated with supervisory ratings. The �౦��Ϸ���� is concerned that readers of the Bank Rate Monitor's Internet site may mistakenly believe that the Bank Rate Monitor's CAEL system reflects actual �౦��Ϸ���� CAEL ratings.

Bankers and other members of the public should be aware that depository institution ratings in the "Safe and Sound Bank and Thrift Rating System" on the Bank Rate Monitor's Internet site are not based on, and should not be confused with, the �౦��Ϸ����'s CAEL system. The �౦��Ϸ���� does not endorse the ratings of the Bank Rate Monitor, nor does the �౦��Ϸ���� necessarily agree with the ratings assigned by the Bank Rate Monitor.

For further information, please call Christopher Newbury, Examination Specialist in the Division of Supervision, on (202) 898-3504 or Marc Goldstrom, Counsel in the Legal Division, on (202) 898-8807.

Distribution: Insured Banks and Savings Associations

NOTE: Paper copies of �౦��Ϸ���� financial institution letters may be obtained through the �౦��Ϸ����'s Public Information Center, 801 17th Street NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).