Metropolitan's strong Fitch rating maintained

Metropolitan Life Limited, the primary operating entity and leading life insurance company in the Metropolitan Holdings group, has maintained its financial strength (IFS) rating of AA- (double minus) (zaf) in 2007.

Metropolitan Holdings Limited, holding company of the group, was awarded a national long-term rating of A (zaf).

The outlook for the ratings remain stable.

Group chief executive Peter Doyle is delighted that the group has once again measured up to the international financial soundness standards applied by Fitch during their robust investigations. 

"It is particularly pleasing that the rating was achieved despite the volatility in the equity markets and the group having returned a substantial amount of capital to shareholders during the past twelve months.  

"The rating re-affirms the financial soundness and stability of the group and is a great measure of comfort for the guardians of public savings, such as the trustees of pension and provident funds, individual fund members and all our policyholders, to have independent confirmation that we have world-class financial protection measures in place.

"Metropolitan Employee Benefits in particular has over the years established itself as a significant player in the corporate market and their clients, who rely on guarantees and long-term commitments made by Metropolitan often spanning thirty years,  will no doubt be pleased by the continued financial security provided.